Massachusetts Divorce Name Change Checklist

In Massachusetts, request your name change directly in your divorce complaint (Form CJD-101) or joint petition (Form CJD-101A) under G.L. c. 208, § 23. Your Judgment of Divorce Nisi serves as the legal document authorizing your name restoration to your maiden name or former spouse's surname. After receiving your judgment, update the Social Security Administration first (free), then the Massachusetts RMV ($25), followed by other accounts and documents.

No separate court petition is required if you're reverting to your maiden name or a former spouse's surname in Massachusetts. Your divorce judgment containing the name restoration order is sufficient legal authority. However, if you want to change your name to something entirely new (not a former legal name), you must file a separate petition with the Probate and Family Court, paying a $150 filing fee plus $15 surcharge.

You need your certified Judgment of Divorce Nisi or Absolute containing the name restoration language from the Probate and Family Court ($20 per certified copy). For the SSA, bring the divorce decree plus current ID and proof of citizenship or immigration status. The Massachusetts RMV requires your updated Social Security card, divorce decree, and current license. Order 3-5 certified copies of your judgment for banks, employers, and licensing boards.

Massachusetts name change costs range from $45 to $345. If you included name restoration in your original divorce filing, the only costs are certified copies ($20 each) and RMV license update ($25). Filing a separate motion during divorce adds $100. Social Security updates are free. A U.S. passport costs $130-$205 depending on renewal type. Budget $100-$150 for 3-5 certified divorce decree copies.

The Massachusetts name change timeline is typically 4-8 weeks to complete all document updates. The SSA processes requests in 2-4 weeks, and you must wait 24-48 hours after SSA confirmation before visiting the RMV. Passport processing takes 6-8 weeks (standard) or 2-3 weeks (expedited for additional $60). If you file a separate post-divorce petition, court processing adds 4-12 weeks depending on your county's schedule.

No, changing your name after divorce in Massachusetts is entirely optional. You can legally keep your married name indefinitely, and there is no requirement or deadline to revert to a former name. Many people keep their married name for professional continuity, because their children share that surname, or simply by personal preference. You can also change your name years later through a standard petition if you decide differently.

No, you cannot change a child's name through Massachusetts divorce proceedings. Child name changes require a separate petition filed with the Probate and Family Court under G.L. c. 210, § 12, with a $150 filing fee plus $15 surcharge. Both parents must consent, or the requesting parent must demonstrate the change serves the child's best interests. As of November 2025, name change filings are automatically impounded for privacy.

Always update the Social Security Administration first—this is mandatory before any other agency. The Massachusetts RMV verifies your Social Security number electronically and will reject your application if SSA hasn't processed your change. Visit ssa.gov or a local SSA office with your certified divorce decree showing name restoration. Wait 24-48 hours after SSA confirmation before scheduling your RMV appointment.