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Name Change Attorney – New Jersey
Whether you’re reclaiming your identity, seeking a fresh start, or aligning your legal name with your gender identity, the name change process in New Jersey is more accessible than many people realize. At National Security Law Firm, we handle the name change process from start to finish for a transparent flat fee—making what could feel overwhelming, easy and empowering.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to legally change your name in New Jersey.
We represent adults and minors seeking name changes, as well as parents filing on behalf of their children. Our goal is to make this legal transition as smooth, efficient, and stress-free as possible.
Why Choose National Security Law Firm?
- Transparent, flat-rate pricing
- Free consultations
- Fast, responsive service
- Payment plans through Affirm
Ready to take the next step? Let us make the process simple, efficient, and stress-free.
Book your free name change consultation now
💼 How the New Jersey Name Change Process Works
To legally change your name in New Jersey, you must file a verified complaint in the Superior Court of New Jersey in the county where you reside. Once your petition is granted, you will receive a court order allowing you to update your name on your:
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Birth certificate
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Driver’s license
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Social Security card
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Passport
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Bank accounts
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Professional licenses
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Any other official documents
Courts generally approve name changes as long as you’re not attempting to defraud creditors, evade criminal prosecution, or hide from legal obligations. Judges rarely deny a petition unless the proposed name change raises red flags related to fraud or criminal intent.
Want to know every detail? 👉 New Jersey Name Change Procedure
👶 Minor Name Changes in New Jersey
Changing the name of a child in New Jersey follows a similar process, but with some added considerations. The court’s primary concern is whether the name change is in the best interest of the child. If both parents consent, the process is usually straightforward. If only one parent is requesting the change, the other parent must be notified and given the opportunity to object.
Learn more about how New Jersey courts evaluate minor name changes and how we can help navigate contested or uncontested petitions.
💍 Name Changes After Divorce or Marriage
If you are looking to change your name after divorce, you can often include your name change request in the divorce decree. However, if this was not done, you will need to go through the formal name change process outlined above. Our team can help you correct this quickly and legally.
For details, visit:
👉 Name Change After Divorce in New Jersey | FAQs
🌍 Immigrant Name Changes in New Jersey
We also work with immigrants seeking to legally change their names due to naturalization, cultural assimilation, or personal preference. Whether you are a green card holder or newly naturalized citizen, we’ll ensure your name change aligns with both state and federal requirements.
Explore our answers to common concerns:
👉 Immigrant Name Changes in New Jersey | FAQs
📜 Do I Need to Publish My Name Change in a Newspaper?
New Jersey law no longer requires a name change applicant to publish notice of the petition and the final order in a local newspaper.
Find out more here:
👉 Do I Have to Follow the New Jersey Name Change Publication Requirement?
💵 Flat Fee Name Change Cost
At National Security Law Firm, we believe in transparent, flat-rate pricing—so you know exactly what you’ll pay and what’s included. Whether you’re changing your own name or your child’s, our goal is to make the process as clear, accessible, and stress-free as possible.
✅ Uncontested Name Changes — $1,695 Flat Fee
This flat fee covers adult and minor name changes when the request is not contested by another party.
What’s included:
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Preparation and filing of your Verified Complaint for Name Change
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All court filing fees
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Drafting of proposed orders and supporting documents
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Certified mail service to required government agencies
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Service on the other parent (for minor name changes)
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Representation at your court hearing (typically via Zoom)
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Motion to waive publication (automatically filed in all cases—publication is no longer required in NJ)
⚠️ Contested Minor Name Changes — $3,500 Flat Fee
If a parent or legal guardian objects to a minor’s name change, the case becomes contested. This requires legal briefing, court strategy, and potentially multiple hearings. Our $3,500 fee includes:
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All filings, service, and notices
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Drafting and presentation of legal arguments
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Representation at one contested hearing
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Review of custody agreements, court orders, and background
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Strategic preparation based on best interest of the child factors
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Additional hearings or complex custody issues may increase the cost. We will always discuss this in advance.
➕ Optional Add-Ons
📄 Amended Birth Certificate — $300 Flat Fee (Optional)
If you’d like our team to handle the birth certificate amendment after your name change is approved, we offer this as an add-on service.
Includes:
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Preparation of the correction request letter
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Coordination with the NJ Office of Vital Statistics or out-of-state agency
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Mailing and tracking of your packet
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Follow-up until your new birth certificate is issued
Prefer to handle this yourself? That’s completely fine. We’ll provide a certified copy of your court order and instructions for filing the amendment on your own.
🔐 Motion to Seal Name Change Proceedings — $1,000 Flat Fee (Optional)
Want to keep your name change private and out of public court records? You may request to seal your case, especially if you:
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Are a survivor of domestic violence, stalking, or harassment
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Are transgender or undergoing gender transition
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Have personal safety or privacy concerns
This fee includes:
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Drafting and filing the motion to seal
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Supporting affidavits or declarations
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Drafting a proposed court order
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Representation at any required hearing
When granted, your name change case will be fully confidential, and your old and new names will not appear in public records or search results.
💳 Payment Plans Available
We proudly offer legal financing through Affirm, allowing you to:
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Pay over 3, 6, 12, or 24 months
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Apply with no impact to your credit score
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Get started with as little as $0 down
Want a full breakdown of what’s included and how our pricing compares? 👉 NJ Name Change Cost
❓ Still Have Questions?
We’ve answered the most common concerns from real clients in our dedicated FAQ section:
And for the legal deep-divers:
👉 New Jersey Name Change Statutes and Rules of Court
📍 We Handle Name Changes Across New Jersey
We proudly handle name change petitions for adults and minors throughout the state of New Jersey, including but not limited to:
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Gloucester County
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Atlantic County
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Burlington County
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Camden County
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Cape May County
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Cumberland County
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Ocean County
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Salem County
- Essex County
📚 Explore Our Full Library of New Jersey Name Change Resources
To support you through every stage of the name change process, we’ve created an extensive library of blog posts, FAQs, and legal resources. Browse below by category to find answers to your specific questions and learn more about what to expect:
📋 Step-by-Step Guidance
- New Jersey Name Change Procedure
- NJ Name Change Cost
- NJ Name Change FAQ’s
- What is a Verified Complaint for Name Change in NJ?
- What happens at a name change hearing in New Jersey?
- How do I get a certified copy of my name change order?
- Can I change my name without going to court?
- Do I need a lawyer to change my name in NJ?
- Where to file for a legal name change if you live in New Jersey but you were born in another state
💵 Cost & Timeline
- How long does a name change take in New Jersey?
- How much does it cost to legally change your name in NJ?
💍 Life Event-Specific Name Changes
- How to change your name after marriage in New Jersey
- How to change your name after divorce in New Jersey
- Name change for children after a parent remarries
- Changing your name to match your child’s or stepchild’s
👶 Minor Name Changes
- How to legally change a child’s name in New Jersey
- What if one parent doesn’t agree to a child’s name change in NJ?
🏳️⚧️ Identity & Gender-Affirming Name Changes
- How to change your name and gender marker as a transgender person in NJ
- Do I need surgery to change my gender marker in New Jersey?
- Can nonbinary people update their driver’s license in NJ?
- What to Do When Your Gender or Name Doesn’t Match Across Government Records (SSA, MVC, Vital Stats)
✏️ Corrections & Document Discrepancies
- How to fix a misspelled name on your birth certificate or driver’s license
- Why does the NJ MVC require a legal name change for minor name mismatches?
- What to do when your legal documents don’t match
- How to change your name if your birth certificate is wrong
🌍 Immigration & Citizenship
- Immigrant Name Changes in New Jersey | FAQs
- How to change your name after naturalization if you didn’t do it during your ceremony
🔍 Advanced & Niche Topics
- Can I change my name to anything I want in New Jersey? (Limitations on name changes)
- What if I want to change my child’s first and last name?
- Can I change my last name to my mother’s maiden name?
- What if I’m trying to change my name because of safety concerns or domestic violence?
- How to keep your name change private in NJ court records
✅ Post-Name Change Updates
- What to Do After Your Legal Name Change in New Jersey: The Complete Post-Name Change Checklist
- How to Update SSA After a Legal Name Change
- How to Update NJ MVC After a Legal Name Change
- How to Update Your Birth Certificate After a Legal Name Change
- How to Change Your Name on Your U.S. Passport After a Legal Name Change
⚖️ Name Change Laws & Statutes
- New Jersey Name Change Statutes
- N.J.S.A. 2A:52-1. Action for Change of Name
- N.J.S.A. 2A:52-2. Effect of judgment, copy to State Bureau of Identification
- N.J.S.A. 2A:52-3. Effect of Change of Name on Actions or Other Proceedings
- N.J.S.A. 2A:52-4. Correction of Record of Birth or Marriage
- Rule 4:72-1. Complaint
- Rule 4:72-2. Guardian Ad Litem
- Rule 4:72-3. Notice of Application
- Rule 4:72-4. Hearing; Judgment; Publication; Filing
📅 Book Your Free Consultation Online — No Calls Needed
The quickest and easiest way to get started is to book your free consultation online. You’ll speak directly with an attorney—not a receptionist—at a time that works for your schedule.
✅ Choose your day and time instantly
✅ 100% free consultation with a licensed attorney
✅ No waiting on hold or calling in