Norfolk County, MA
How to Change Your Name in Norfolk County
Court Information
- Court
- Norfolk Probate and Family Court (Massachusetts Probate and Family Court, Norfolk Division), Canton
- Filing fee
- $165
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- county of residence
- Jurisdiction
- Probate and Family Court, Norfolk Division
- Last verified
- August 17, 2026
Filing Requirements in Norfolk County
- Newspaper publication
- Not required
- Court hearing
- Not required for uncontested adult petitions
- How to file
- online (e-filing), by mail or in person
Getting Certified Copies
Certified Decree mailed automatically for administratively processed cases; otherwise request from the Register's Office
You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport, and your banks — order more than one.
Step-by-Step Process
- Gather documents: certified birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of residency in Norfolk County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Norfolk Probate and Family Court (Massachusetts Probate and Family Court, Norfolk Division), Canton clerk or website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee ($165), complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition online (e-filing), by mail or in person with the Norfolk Probate and Family Court (Massachusetts Probate and Family Court, Norfolk Division), Canton
- No hearing is normally required for an uncontested adult petition in this county
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — certified decree mailed automatically for administratively processed cases; otherwise request from the register's office
- Update SSA first, then DMV, then passport, then all other records
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the Norfolk Probate and Family Court (Massachusetts Probate and Family Court, Norfolk Division), Canton clerk before filing.