How do you legally change your full name?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

You file the completed forms at the courthouse and attend a hearing. Some states require that you publish a notice in the local newspaper too and some states also have you sign a form or complete a fingerprint card so they can do a background check on you.