PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME — DELAWARE

Document Type: Court Petition

Statutory Authority: 10 Del.C. §§ 5901–5905

Jurisdiction: Court of Common Pleas or Family Court (if applicable)

Filing Fee: Approximately $75–$150 (varies by county)

CASE CAPTION

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE

IN AND FOR [NEW CASTLE / KENT / SUSSEX] COUNTY

In re: Change of Name of

PETITION

Petitioner, [CURRENT LEGAL NAME], by and through this Petition, respectfully requests that this Honorable Court grant a change of name pursuant to 10 Del.C. § 5901 et seq., and in support thereof states as follows:

I. JURISDICTION AND VENUE

1.1 Petitioner is a resident of the State of Delaware and has been a resident for at least [___] months/years immediately preceding the filing of this Petition.

1.2 Petitioner resides in [NEW CASTLE / KENT / SUSSEX] County, Delaware, at the address set forth above.

1.3 Venue is proper in this Court pursuant to 10 Del.C. § 5901(a), which provides that a petition for change of name shall be presented to the Court of Common Pleas sitting in the county in which the person resides.

II. PETITIONER'S CURRENT IDENTITY

2.1 Petitioner's current full legal name is: [CURRENT LEGAL NAME].

2.2 Petitioner was born on [DATE OF BIRTH] in [CITY], [STATE].

2.3 Petitioner's Social Security Number ends in: XXX-XX-[LAST 4 DIGITS].

2.4 Petitioner has used the following names or aliases in the past: [List all former names, or write "None"].

III. REQUESTED NAME CHANGE

3.1 Petitioner desires to change Petitioner's name to: [DESIRED NEW NAME].

3.2 Petitioner requests this name change for the following reason(s): [State reason—e.g., marriage, divorce, gender identity, personal preference, religious reasons, etc.].

IV. BACKGROUND CHECK AND CRIMINAL HISTORY

4.1 Petitioner is NOT currently subject to the supervision of the Delaware Department of Correction.

☐ Yes ☐ No

4.2 Petitioner has NOT been convicted of any felony within the past five (5) years.

☐ Yes ☐ No

4.3 Petitioner is NOT required to register as a sex offender under Delaware law.

☐ Yes ☐ No

4.4 If Petitioner answered "No" to any of the above, provide explanation:

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

4.5 Petitioner is NOT seeking this name change to avoid criminal prosecution, evade debts, or defraud any person or entity.

V. PARENTAL STATUS (IF APPLICABLE TO MINOR PETITION)

[Complete this section ONLY if this petition is for a minor child. Otherwise, write "N/A" and skip to Section VI.]

5.1 This Petition is for a change of name of a minor child: [MINOR'S CURRENT NAME].

5.2 Minor's date of birth: ____/____/________

5.3 Minor's age: _______ years old

5.4 Minor is over the age of 14: ☐ Yes ☐ No

If yes, minor must sign this Petition below in accordance with 10 Del.C. § 5902.

5.5 Petitioner's relationship to minor:

☐ Parent (Mother)

☐ Parent (Father)

☐ Legal Guardian (attach Letters of Guardianship)

5.6 The other parent's information (if living):

5.7 If the other parent does not consent, explain why consent is not required or describe efforts to notify the other parent:

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

VI. NO FRAUDULENT PURPOSE

6.1 Petitioner affirms that this request for a name change is NOT made for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose.

6.2 Petitioner affirms that this name change will NOT be used to:

• Evade creditors or avoid financial obligations
• Avoid criminal prosecution or pending legal proceedings
• Defraud any person, business, or government agency
• Interfere with any pending legal matters

VII. ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

7.1 Petitioner has NOT previously filed for a name change in Delaware or any other jurisdiction, OR:

_________________________________________________________________________

7.2 Petitioner is NOT a party to any pending legal proceedings that would be affected by this name change, OR:

_________________________________________________________________________

VIII. PRAYER FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE, Petitioner respectfully requests that this Honorable Court:

A. Grant this Petition for Change of Name;

B. Enter an Order changing Petitioner's name from [CURRENT LEGAL NAME] to [DESIRED NEW NAME]; and

C. Grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

VERIFICATION

STATE OF DELAWARE

COUNTY OF [NEW CASTLE / KENT / SUSSEX]

I, [CURRENT LEGAL NAME], being duly sworn according to law, depose and say:

1. I am the Petitioner in this matter.

1. I have read the foregoing Petition and know the contents thereof.

1. The facts stated therein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.

1. I make this Verification subject to the penalties of perjury under Delaware law.

_______________________________

Signature of Petitioner

[CURRENT LEGAL NAME]

_______________________________

Date

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this _____ day of _________________, 20____, by [CURRENT LEGAL NAME], who is personally known to me or who produced _________________________ as identification.

_______________________________

Notary Public

My Commission Expires: ___________

CONSENT OF OTHER PARENT (IF APPLICABLE)

I, [OTHER PARENT'S NAME], consent to this Petition for Change of Name of my minor child, [MINOR'S CURRENT NAME], to [DESIRED NEW NAME].

_______________________________

Signature of Other Parent

[OTHER PARENT'S NAME]

_______________________________

Date

CONSENT OF MINOR (IF AGE 14 OR OLDER)

Pursuant to 10 Del.C. § 5902, I, [MINOR'S CURRENT NAME], being at least 14 years of age, consent to this Petition for Change of Name.

_______________________________

Signature of Minor

[MINOR'S CURRENT NAME]

_______________________________

Date

FILING INSTRUCTIONS

Where to File

Court of Common Pleas (for adult name changes and most cases):

Family Court (if name change is part of divorce, paternity, or involves a minor under Family Court jurisdiction):

Filing Steps

1. Complete this Petition — Fill in all required information. Do not leave blanks.

1. Sign the Verification — Sign in front of a notary public. Many banks and libraries offer notary services.

1. Make copies — Make at least 2 copies of the completed Petition for your records.

1. File with the Clerk — Bring the original and copies to the Clerk of the Court in your county. Pay the filing fee.

1. Attend the hearing — The Court may schedule a brief hearing. Most name changes are granted without objection.

1. Receive the Order — Once granted, you will receive a certified Order Changing Name.

1. Update your records — Use the certified Order to update your Social Security card, driver's license, bank accounts, and other records.

Filing Fees (Approximate)

Fees are set by each county and subject to change. Contact the Clerk's office for current fees.

STATUTORY REFERENCES

• 10 Del.C. § 5901 — Petition for change of name; jurisdiction
• 10 Del.C. § 5902 — Requirements for minor's petition
• 10 Del.C. § 5904 — Determination by Court
• 10 Del.C. § 5905 — Costs

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS

Jurisdiction-correct document templates. Not legal advice. Jurist-Diction is not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court.

• Court procedures and fees vary by county. Contact your local Clerk of the Court for specific requirements.
• This template may not be appropriate for all situations. Consult with an attorney if your case involves complex issues.
• The Court may require additional forms, background checks, or supporting documentation.
• If you have a criminal history or are under supervision of the Department of Correction, additional requirements may apply under 10 Del.C. § 5901(c).

Document prepared by Jurist-Diction • "The law, precisely spoken."

Template Version: 1.0 • Last Updated: March 2026