New Hampshire Name Change

A New Hampshire name change is easy to accomplish. In fact, New Hampshire requires only one form, which must be filed with the proper court. There is generally a fee, which varies from court to court. The information below will clarify the procedure and help you get started.

What forms are required for a name change in New Hampshire?

The following form is required to change your name in New Hampshire

Petition for Change of Name(form NHJB-2175-P)

This form can be found on the New Hampshire State Courts website.

Where do I file the name change forms?

The completed forms must be filed with the clerk of the superior or probate court in the county where you currently live.

Do I need to notarize the forms?

No.

Is there a filing fee for a New Hampshire name change?

Check with your local courthouse.

Do I need to schedule a court hearing?

Check with your local courthouse. Sometimes courts require a hearing where you’ll have to justify your name change so the court is assured that you’re not trying to avoid a debt or creditors.

Do I need to publish something in a local newspaper?

Check with your local courthouse. Often courts require you to publish notice of your name change so any member of the community who might take issue with the change may come forward with any grievance.

Case Studies: Name Change Procedures

Case Study 1: The Swift Name Change

John Adams, a resident of Merrimack, New Hampshire, decided to change his last name to his mother’s maiden name, Johnson. John had always felt a stronger connection to his maternal family, and changing his name was an important step for him. John obtained the necessary forms, including the Petition for Change of Name (form NHJB-2175-P), from the New Hampshire State Courts website. He carefully completed the form, providing all the required information accurately.

He then filed the completed forms with the clerk of the superior court in Hillsborough County, where he resided. John was relieved to learn that notarization of the forms was not required, saving him an additional step. After paying the filing fee determined by the court, John scheduled a court hearing to justify his name change. He prepared a compelling statement explaining his reasons and brought supporting documents, such as his mother’s marriage certificate and his birth certificate.

John also published a notice of his name change in a local newspaper, as required by the court. This allowed the community an opportunity to raise any objections if necessary. Fortunately, no concerns were raised during the publication period. The court reviewed John’s case and approved his name change. He officially became John Johnson, embracing his new identity and honoring his maternal lineage.

Case Study 2: The Identity Alignment

Emily Davis, a transgender woman residing in Concord, New Hampshire, decided to change her name to Emily Thompson to align her legal identity with her true self. She embarked on the name change process to reflect her gender identity and personal journey. Emily obtained the required forms, including the Petition for Change of Name (form NHJB-2175-P), from the New Hampshire State Courts website. She filled out the forms meticulously, ensuring accurate and complete information.

She filed the completed forms with the clerk of the superior court in Merrimack County, her county of residence. Emily was pleased to learn that notarization was not necessary, streamlining the process. After paying the filing fee, Emily scheduled a court hearing to justify her name change. She prepared a heartfelt statement, sharing her experience as a transgender woman and the importance of aligning her legal identity with her true self. Emily provided supporting documentation, such as her updated identification documents and letters from her healthcare providers.

In compliance with the court’s requirements, Emily published a notice of her name change in a local newspaper. This allowed the community an opportunity to express any objections. Fortunately, the publication period passed without any opposition. The court carefully reviewed Emily’s case and granted her name change request. She officially became Emily Thompson, embracing her authentic identity and paving the way for a more fulfilling life.

Case Study 3: A Fresh Start

Mark Wilson, a resident of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, decided to change his name to Mark Stevens as part of his journey to leave behind a troubled past. Mark wanted a fresh start and believed a name change would symbolize his commitment to personal growth and transformation. Mark downloaded the necessary forms, including the Petition for Change of Name (form NHJB-2175-P), from the New Hampshire State Courts website. He diligently completed the forms, ensuring accurate information was provided.

He filed the completed forms with the clerk of the superior court in Rockingham County, where he currently resided. Mark was relieved to learn that notarization was not required, making the process simpler. After paying the filing fee determined by the court, Mark inquired about a court hearing. He discovered that his local courthouse did not typically require a hearing for name change cases that did not involve specific legal complications.

While not mandatory, Mark chose to publish a notice of his name change in a local newspaper to provide transparency to the community. This allowed anyone with legitimate concerns to come forward. Fortunately, no objections were raised during the publication period. The court reviewed Mark’s case and approved his name change, allowing him to officially become Mark Stevens. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in Mark’s life, filled with hope and opportunities for a brighter future.