How to Legally Change Your Name in Massachusetts

1). Visit the Massachusetts probate court in your county and ask for a Petition for Change of Name form. Note that you can also use the form in the Resources below.
2). Write the name of the person wishing to change his or her name on the line titled "Name of Petitioner." Fill in that person's address, birth date, and write the names of the petitioner's spouse as well as the spouse's date and place of birth.
3). List the names of the petitioner's minor children on the lines provided. State the reason for the name change on the lines under "Reason for change."
4). Write the petitioner's current name on the line under "Name at Present." Write the new name on the lines under "To be changed to."
5). Sign and date the form. File the petition in the probate court of your county. Pay a filing fee to the clerk ($150 as of 2010). So long as the name change is not "inconsistent with public interests" (such as to avoid taxes), the court should grant the petition.