Legal name changes are necessary only if you want to change your name through an official court order. For non-legally-binding, day-to-day usage or for changes after marriage, an official court order is often unnecessary. To return to your maiden name, for example, the family division can include the change in the final divorce decree. If you do choose to legally change your name, the process is simple.

You must file the petition in your county of residence.

 

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Adult Name Change

If you are an adult wanting to change your name, download the Petition of Adult to Change Name form or pick up a copy at the probate division. You must also file a certified copy of your birth certificate, any marriage certificates, and birth certificates for any minor children. After you file the required documents, the court will set a hearing date.

There is a filing fee for this process. If you cannot afford to pay the filing fee, you can ask the court to consider waiving that fee. See the Application to Waive Filing Fees and Service Costs web page for information and forms.

For information about changing your gender marker, see the Name and Gender Marker Changes in Vermont web page on the VTLawHelp.org website.

Minor Name Change

If you want to ask the court to change the name of a minor, download a copy of the Petition to Change Name of Minor form. You must also file a certified copy of the birth certificate and a filing fee. Once the petition is filed, the court will set a hearing date.

There is a filing fee for this process. If you cannot afford to pay the filing fee, you can ask the court to consider waiving that fee. See the Application to Waive Filing Fees and Service Costs web page for information and forms.

Both parents of the minor must consent to the change. The consent form is contained within the Petition to Change Name of Minor. If both parents do not consent, the court will set a hearing and notify the parents. The petition must include the name and current address of both biological parents. If the name or address of a noncustodial parent is not available, the petition may be delayed, since you must then demonstrate that you have exercised due diligence in trying to locate that parent.

 

Next Steps

If the court grants the name change request, you are responsible for telling others about the new name. Here is a list of some of the institutions you might want to notify and documents you might want to change: