Delaware Name Change

Changing your name in Delaware is a relatively simple process that you can do on your own. In Delaware you must start by publishing a Notice of Name Change in a local newspaper. Then, it is mostly a matter of completing and filing forms and paying a fee. The information here will provide you with simple answers to common questions about the name change requirements.

What forms are required for a Delaware name change?

The following forms are required to change your name in Delaware:

• Petition for Name Change
• Affidavit
• Notice of Name Change for Publication

These forms can be found on the Delaware Courts website.

Where do I file the forms for a name change in Delaware?

The completed forms must be filed with the clerk of the court of common pleas in the county where you currently live.

Do I need to notarize the forms?

Yes. However, the clerk of the court can generally notarize the Petition for Name Changefor free when you bring it to court. Many times your bank will offer notary services for free as well.

Is there a filing fee in Delaware for a name change?

Yes. The fee is $50. A fee waiver may generally be obtained using the Fee Waiver form with a showing of sufficient hardship.

Do I need to schedule a court hearing?

Yes. The court clerk will tell you the date of your court hearing.

Do I need to publish something in a local newspaper? Yes. The Notice of Name Change must be published at least once a week for three weeks before the Petition is submitted.

Case Studies: Name Change in Delaware

Case Study 1: John Smith’s Name Change Process

John Smith, a resident of Delaware, recently decided to change his name. He followed the name change process in Delaware, starting with publishing a Notice of Name Change in a local newspaper.

After completing the necessary forms, including the Petition for Name Change, he filed them with the clerk of the court of common pleas in his county. John notarized the forms with the help of the court clerk and paid the filing fee of $50.

He was also required to schedule a court hearing, and the court clerk provided him with the hearing date. Additionally, John published the Notice of Name Change in a local newspaper as required.

Case Study 2: Sarah Johnson’s Name Change Process

Sarah Johnson, a resident of Delaware, decided to change her name due to personal reasons. She went through the name change process by following the requirements set by Delaware courts.

Sarah obtained the necessary forms from the Delaware Courts website and completed them. She then filed the forms with the clerk of the court of common pleas in her county of residence.

Sarah notarized the Petition for Name Change, availing of the free notary services provided by the court or her bank.

She paid the filing fee of $50 and scheduled a court hearing as instructed by the court clerk. Sarah also fulfilled the requirement of publishing the Notice of Name Change in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks.

Case Study 3: David Anderson’s Name Change Process

David Anderson, a Delaware resident, underwent a name change process to legally change his name. He obtained the required forms from the Delaware Courts website and diligently completed them.

David filed the forms with the clerk of the court of common pleas in his county, ensuring they were notarized. He paid the filing fee of $50 and scheduled a court hearing.

As part of the process, David published the Notice of Name Change in a local newspaper, complying with the publication requirement. Following these steps, David successfully completed his name change process.