How Do I Legally Change My Name in New Hampshire?
Full Question:
Answer:
The need for a legal name change may result from marriage, divorce, adoption or simply a desire to have another name. Generally, you cannot change your name for a fraudulent purpose, such as avoiding debts. Means of changing your name generally include usage (in some states using a name as your own has the affect of making it your name); court order (a court order is recommended to change your name and is required by most states); or a marriage certificate as proof of name change.
The process for obtaining a name change for an adult in the State of New Hampshire begins with the filing of a Petition with the Probate Court in the jurisdiction in which Petitioner resides. The Petition informs the Court of the Petitioner’s name, the name the Petitioner wishes to adopt, and the reasons for the requested change of name.
After the Petition is filed and the required fee is paid, the Court may or may not require notice to the general public through publication in a local newspaper or in some other manner. After publication, if any is required, is complete, the Court may proceed to rule in any manner it deems proper.
Please see the information at the following link for further discussion:
http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/correcting/ChangeName/ChangeName_851.html