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Massachusetts court form packet

Massachusetts Minor Name Change (Child Under 18)

Download the Massachusetts petition for change of name of minor packet for your child. This state-specific self-help form package is ready for instant secure access and includes the packet documents listed below.

  • print-ready PDF format
  • Attorney-reviewed template packet
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

What you receive for Massachusetts

A practical minor name change packet built around the court filing documents used to request an official name change order.

State-specific court packet

Prepared for Massachusetts minor name change filings, with petition and order materials reflected in the downloadable packet.

Private self-help workflow

Download the files, complete them on your own device, then file with the appropriate court. Your personal details are not entered into an online form builder.

Filing guide + printable checklist

A short PublicLegal filing guide covers this state's age split, publication and service sequence, and after-order updates — ending in a printable checklist to carry to the clerk.

Included packet documents

This state packet includes 1 packet PDF • 3-page PublicLegal guide + 5 official Massachusetts court forms. Use the PDF files for print-ready review and filing preparation.

  • Minor Name Change Packet — PublicLegal guide + checklist + official CJP series forms PDF

Researched filing overview

Massachusetts Minor Name Change Filing Overview

Who files
a parent or legal guardian files the Petition to Change Name of Minor (CJP 25) in the Probate & Family Court of the county where the child lives. File WITH it a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, any prior name-change document, the CARI/WMS release (CJP 34), and the Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit (TC0050) listing every custody case touching the child — each adult who presents the petition files their own. A child who is 12 or older must assent: they sign the Assent to Petition (CJP 30) before a notary. The filing fee is $165 per family — siblings share one fee — with a possible $15 citation fee and a $22 e-filing add-on.
If a legal parent cannot be found
the petition’s own FORM ALERT requires the Motion for Service by Alternate Means (CJP 31) and the Military Affidavit (TC0002) filed WITH the petition when any legal parent’s address or whereabouts is unknown — TC0002 is in this kit; CJP 31 is the court’s dynamic electronic form (get the current original free via the court’s web form at courtforms.jud.state.ma.us or the mass.gov PDF in free Adobe Acrobat Reader). Even when notice succeeded, the court may require the Military Affidavit before the decree if no answer or assent was filed. A deceased parent’s death certificate, proof of guardianship, or proof of termination of parental rights is obtained separately when it applies.
The process
most petitions are decided by administrative review; if the court orders a citation, publish or serve it exactly as ordered and not before. The court mails a Certified Decree Changing Name — there is no decree form to prepare — so order 3–4 extra certified copies the same week. After the decree, update the child’s Social Security record (SSA form SS-5, free), then the birth state’s vital records, passport, and school and medical records. A child’s name cannot be changed inside a divorce judgment — this petition is the path.
Verified against Massachusetts G. L. c. 210, § 12 and the official Probate & Family Court forms (CJP 25 petition and CJP 30 assent rev. 12/11/25, CJP 34 rev. 5/1/24, TC0050 rev. 06/24, TC0002 rev. 04/23; downloaded 2026-08-19). Sources: Massachusetts Probate & Family Court — how to file a minor name change ; G. L. c. 210, § 12

Preview the Petition for Change of Name of Minor

See page 1 of the actual blank form and review a plain-language outline. The complete documents are delivered after checkout.

Get Full Packet — $9.99
Page 1 of the official Massachusetts Petition to Change Name of Minor (CJP 25) included in the download
Page 1 of the actual official Massachusetts CJP 25 minor name-change petition included in your packet.

PETITION TO CHANGE NAME OF MINOR (CJP 25, rev. 12/11/25). The official Massachusetts Probate & Family Court petition a parent or legal guardian files in the county where the child lives, under G. L. c. 210, § 12.

FORM ALERTS built in: the child must live in the filing county, certified copies of the child’s birth certificate and any prior name change file with the petition, and an unlocatable legal parent triggers the court’s free CJP 31 alternate-service motion (pointed at in the guide) plus the TC0002 Military Affidavit in this kit.

A child 12 or older must assent on the court’s own CJP 30 before a notary; the CJP 34 records release and TC0050 custody-disclosure affidavit complete the filing set.

The full packet also includes the PublicLegal filing guide with printable checklist; the court mails a Certified Decree Changing Name.

This outline is not the form itself. Your download includes the complete PDF packet.

Validity and satisfaction guarantee

ILRG is committed to top quality legal forms that are valid in all states. If you are not 100 percent satisfied after purchase, contact us for a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Minor Name Change Forms

Yes. This product is the Massachusetts minor name change packet tied to this state-specific page and the packet documents shown above.

The included packet documents are listed on this page. Where the same document is provided in more than one format, it is grouped once with Word, PDF, or other format badges.

This packet currently includes print-ready PDF format. The document list above reflects the packet contents for this state without exposing internal fulfillment filenames.

Complete the petition and related court documents, then file them with the appropriate court. Court filing fees and local procedures vary by county.

These forms are designed for self-help use, but ILRG does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney if your situation involves unusual facts, contested issues, or questions about local procedure.

Timing depends on the court, local scheduling, notice requirements, and whether anyone objects. Many name change matters take several weeks, but local timing can vary.

A parent or guardian can usually file a minor name change petition, but notice to or consent from the other parent may be required. Requirements vary by state and county.

No. ILRG provides self-help legal forms and information, not legal advice. You are responsible for reviewing local court requirements before filing.

A child who is 12 or older must assent — they sign the court’s Assent to Petition (CJP 30) before a notary. Younger children have no formal assent step.

$165 per family — siblings share one fee — plus a possible $15 citation fee if the court orders notice and $22 more for e-filing.

File the Motion for Service by Alternate Means (CJP 31) and the Military Affidavit (TC0002) with the petition — the petition’s own FORM ALERT requires them. TC0002 is in this kit; CJP 31 is the court’s free dynamic form and the guide points at it.

Only if the court orders it. Most petitions are decided by administrative review; if the court issues a citation, publish or serve it exactly as ordered, and not before.

Download Massachusetts Packet — $9.99