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Mississippi Name Change Adult Packet

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Mississippi Name Change Adult Packet Information

Prepared by U.S. Legal Forms, Inc.

Copyright 2016 - U.S. Legal Forms, Inc.

STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

NAME CHANGE

ADULT PACKET

Control Number – MS-NAME-1

This packet contains the following:

  1. Instructions;
  2. Forms List; and
  3. Access to Mississippi Law Summary.

I. EXPLANATION OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME

A. In Mississippi, an action for a court ordered Change of Name begins with the filing of a Petition in the Chancery court. The Petition must contain certain information. The forms in this packet include the necessary information for an Adult Name Change in the State of Mississippi.

B. You can use this packet if:

  • You are at least 18 years of age and have been a resident of the county in which you will file.
  • You have proper and reasonable cause for the requested change of name.
  • You are not changing your name to avoid debts or defraud creditors.

II. WHAT FORMS ARE INCLUDED

A. Petition to Change Name - (MS-NC-100) This document states the reasons and other required details for your name change.

B. Order of Name Change - (MS-NC-101) This is the final statement of the legalities and terms of your name change. Once this form is signed by the Judge and filed with the court, the name change is effective.

If you did not order a completion package and need access to the download page again for any of the above forms, please check your email for a link to that will redisplay the page for you.

III. PROCEDURE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (ADULT) FOR THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

A. Preliminary Note:

  1. The attached forms may be completed by:
    1. Printing the forms and completing by hand. Use black ink and print neatly.
    2. Printing the forms and completing using a typewriter.
    3. By completing the forms on your computer using a word processing program and then printing the forms.
  2. Use complete names and not initials. Check your spelling carefully, a misspelled word can delay your name change.
  3. Print three (3) complete sets of forms.
  4. All forms with a heading – the name of the court, the Petitioner’s name, the case number, and the name of the document – require that the heading be completed. You will need to add the name of the court and the full name of the Petitioner. The “Action/Cause No.” will be assigned by the court clerk at the time of filing.
  5. Forms that require your signature and include a notary block MUST be signed in the presence of the notary or court clerk who will complete the acknowledgement. Use your complete name – first name, middle name, last name.
  6. When a form is filed with the court, request the clerk “file-stamp” one copy of the form for your file.
  7. A Law Summary is available and can be printed for your State. To do so, go to the last page of this package and select the Law Summary link under the form title and print. Review the Law Summary before beginning the process of completing the forms.

B. Procedure

  • Step 1: Complete all the forms using complete names – middle names instead of middle initials.
  • Step 2: File the Petition in the Chancery Court in the county in which you have been a resident and pay the appropriate fee.
  • Step 3: After filing the Clerk will advise you how a hearing will be set. Follow the directions of the Clerk. Most Mississippi Courts will consider the Petition without a formal hearing on a designated ex parte day, which is a day when the Court hears uncontested matters.
  • Step 4: Appear as directed by the Clerk and present the Order to Change Name to the Court. At the hearing, any persons objecting to the requested Name Change will be heard by the Court; and the Court may examine, upon oath, the Petitioner(s) or other persons concerning the Petition.
  • Step 5: Obtain a certified copy of the Order from the Clerk after it has been signed by the Judge. You are now ready to notify appropriate persons and governmental agencies of the change.

NOTE ABOUT COMPLETING THE FORMS

The forms in this packet contain "form fields" created using Microsoft Word. “Form fields" facilitate completion of the forms using your computer. They do not limit you ability to print the form “in blank” and complete with a typewriter or by hand.

If you do not see the gray shaded form fields, go the View menu, click on Toolbars, and then select Forms. This will open the forms toolbar. Look for the button on the forms toolbar that resembles a shaded letter "a". Click in this button and the form fields will be visible.

The forms are locked which means that the content of the forms cannot be changed. You can only fill in the information in the fields.

If you need to make any changes in the body of the form, it is necessary for you "unlock” or “unprotect” the form. IF YOU INTEND TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE CONTENT, DO SO BEFORE YOU BEGIN TO FILL IN THE FIELDS. IF YOU UNLOCK THE DOCUMENT AFTER YOU HAVE BEGUN TO COMPLETE THE FIELDS, WHEN YOU RELOCK, ALL INFORMATION YOU ENTERED WILL BE LOST. To unlock click on “Tools” in the Menu bar and then selecting “unprotect document". You may then be prompted to enter a password. If so, the password is “uslf”. That is uslf in lower case letters without the quotation marks. After you make the changes relock the document before you being to complete the fields.

After any required changes and re-protecting the document, click on the first form field and enter the required information. You will be able to navigate through the document from form field to form field using your tab key. Tab to a form field and insert your data. If problems, please let us know.

LAW SUMMARY

A law summary for this package may be found and printed at the following address:

http://www.uslegalforms.com/ms/MS-NAME-1.htm

DISCLAIMER

These materials were developed by U.S. Legal Forms, Inc. based upon statutes and forms for the State of Mississippi. All Information and Forms are subject to this Disclaimer: All forms in this package are provided without any warranty, express or implied, as to their legal effect and completeness. Please use at your own risk. If you have a serious legal problem we suggest that you consult an attorney. U.S. Legal Forms, Inc. does not provide legal advice. The products offered by U.S. Legal Forms (USLF) are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.

THESE MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF ANY KIND INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, NONINFRINGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL U. S. LEGAL FORMS, INC. OR ITS AGENTS OR OFFICERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF INFORMATION) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE MATERIALS, EVEN IF U.S. LEGAL FORMS, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

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What the Mississippi Name Change Adult Packet Contains

The Mississippi Name Change Adult Packet is a set of standardized forms and guidance used by adults seeking a legal change of name in Mississippi. It typically includes a petition for name change, civil cover sheet, order for publication, notice templates, a proposed order, and instructions for filing with the chancery clerk or county court. The packet organizes required personal data, supporting documents, and procedural steps so petitioners can prepare filings that comply with Mississippi law and local court rules. Use of a complete packet reduces procedural errors and clarifies next steps.

Why a Complete Packet Matters for Your Case

A Mississippi Name Change Adult Packet consolidates forms, filing instructions, and common supporting documents into a single resource, reducing errors and court rejections. It helps applicants meet state-specific requirements, prepare notices, and present an organized petition to the chancery court or county clerk.

Why a Complete Packet Matters for Your Case

Who Typically Uses the Mississippi Name Change Adult Packet

Typical users who should consider the Mississippi Name Change Adult Packet include both self-represented petitioners and professionals assisting them.

  • Adults changing their name after marriage, divorce, or personal preference, filing in chancery or county court
  • Attorneys and paralegals preparing standardized petitions and proposed orders for local courts in Mississippi
  • Court clerks and legal aid organizations providing clear checklists and forms for public distribution

Step-by-Step: From Packet Preparation to Final Decree

Follow this step-by-step sequence to prepare, file, and complete an adult name change petition in Mississippi.

  • 01
    Prepare Packet: Gather forms, IDs, and supporting documents.
  • 02
    File Petition: Submit to chancery or county clerk with filing fee.
  • 03
    Publish Notice: Follow court order for publication when required.
  • 04
    Final Hearing: Attend hearing; obtain signed decree and certified order.

How Filing and Court Processing Typically Flow

Overview of routing and processing for petitions, clerical review, publication, hearings, and entry of the final order.

  • Upload Forms: Assemble completed PDFs and scans for filing.
  • Clerk Review: Clerk checks fees, signatures, and completeness.
  • Publication Step: Court orders notice in local paper as required.
  • Decree Entry: Judge signs order; clerk enters decree into records.

Recommended Settings for Digital Completion and E‑Filing

Suggested online workflow settings for customizing and e-filing the Mississippi Name Change Adult Packet.

Field Configuration
Document Format Use PDF or PDF/A for stable court-ready formatting.
Authentication Email link or SMS code verification.
Notarization Method Remote online notarization or in-person.
Signature Fields Place signature and date fields for each party.
Template Name Mississippi Name Change Adult Packet template.

Platform Capabilities to Support the Packet

Use an eSignature platform that supports PDF uploads, audit trails, and HIPAA-compliant workflows when handling sensitive data.

  • File Types: Supports PDF, DOCX, and flat image formats.
  • Integrations: Connects to Google Workspace and NetSuite.
  • Security: TLS 1.2/1.3; AES-256 encryption at rest.

Core Components Included in a Professional Packet

Primary components included in a professional Mississippi Name Change Adult Packet and why each matters to successful filing and court acceptance.

Petition

A completed Petition for Name Change that sets out personal details, legal grounds for the request, and a clear statement of the requested new name for judicial consideration.

Notice Templates

Templates for publication and personal service notices that comply with local requirements, including timing, content, and affidavit forms courts require for proof of service.

Proposed Order

A draft order for the judge to sign that mirrors statutory language and includes the effective date, any restrictions, and certification language for recording.

Supporting Docs

Identification, certified birth certificate, marriage or divorce decrees, and criminal history disclosures where required by statute or local rule to verify identity and eligibility.

Instructions

Step-by-step filing instructions tailored to Mississippi courts that list filing fees, courtroom addresses, hearing procedures, and publication options where applicable.

Checklist

A pre-filing checklist ensuring all fields are completed, exhibits attached, and signatures notarized to reduce clerk rejections and expedite scheduling.

Supporting Materials and File Handling Options

Additional packet elements and file handling options that petitioners and clerks commonly require for electronic and paper submissions across county offices and courts.

Certified Copies

Guidance on requesting certified copies of the signed decree for updating identification documents; includes typical county clerk procedures and considerations for processing times and additional fees.

Publication Proof

Affidavit of publication form and instructions showing how to obtain and submit publisher affidavits to the court as proof of notice under Mississippi rules.

Court Fees

Summary of common filing fees, cost of certified copies, and estimated publication charges with notes on fee waivers or reduced rates where statutory exceptions exist.

Export Options

Advice on saving completed packets as PDF/A for court compatibility, retaining editable DOCX copies for future edits, and creating printed binder sets for hearings.

Practical Tips to Reduce Rework and Delay

Practical tips to avoid common procedural mistakes and ensure the Mississippi Name Change Adult Packet is court-ready.

Use consistent legal names
Always use the identical legal name format across all forms and attachments. Confirm spelling with government IDs, and avoid nicknames. Inconsistent names are a frequent cause of clerk rejection or delayed hearings.
Verify venue and clerk rules
Confirm whether your petition files in chancery or county court, check local clerk instructions for filing hours, and verify whether the clerk requires physical submissions, electronic uploads, or both.
Follow publication timelines
Adhere strictly to court-ordered publication schedules and obtain publisher affidavits on time. Late publication or incorrect notice content can prompt dismissal or require rescheduling of hearings.
Retain certified copies
After decree entry, request certified copies for updating state IDs, Social Security records, and financial accounts. Keep originals and digital backups; certified copies speed administrative updates and reduce identity verification friction.

Starting Prices and Core Feature Availability Across Providers

Annual billed starting prices and feature availability across common eSignature providers to consider for document signing workflows.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bulk Send Yes (premium tier) Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes (BAA) Yes Yes No No

Potential Consequences of an Incorrect Packet

Filing Rejection: Incomplete forms cause rejection.
Missed Publication: Hearing delayed or dismissed.
Perjury Risk: False statements may be criminal.
Service Failure: Improper service invalidates notice.
Incorrect Fees: Late fees or additional costs.
Notarization Error: Unsigned or unnotarized documents rejected.

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to match the legal name exactly across petition, ID, and supporting records, which can trigger identity verification issues and extra court steps.
  • Omitting required publication steps or filing incorrect affidavits of publication, leading to continuances or dismissal of the petition by the court.
  • Not obtaining required notarizations or witness signatures before filing, causing clerks to return documents and delay hearings.
  • Using outdated local forms or neglecting county clerk instructions about filing methods, fees, and scheduling procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Packet

Answers to common questions about completing, filing, and validating the Mississippi Name Change Adult Packet.


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