How to change name in New Jersey?

How do you legally change name in New Jersey?

• Answer:

  Changing a name is done by filing a verified complaint for Change of Name in the Law Division of the Superior Court. The court enters an order fixing a hearing date. Copies the complaint and order are served on interested parties and many times on the county prosecutor and state Director of Criminal Justice as well. The order fixes a hearing date and the papers must be published in a newspaper prior to that date. At the hearing anyone having an interest in the matter may make an objection. Assuming there are no objections, the court enters a judgment permitting the change of name. The judgment must be published in a newspaper. Proof of publication must be be filed with the court. After that the court issues a certified judgment of name change which is then filed with the State Department of Treasury. No records will be changed formally until the certified judgment is issued.