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Mississippi Adult Name Change

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Prepared by U.S. Legal Forms, Inc.

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

STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
NAME CHANGE
MINOR PACKET

Control Number – MS-NAME-2

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 a Minor Name Change in the State of Mississippi.

B. You can use this packet if:

  • I am less than 18 years of age and have been a resident of the county in which I will file.
  • I have proper and reasonable cause for the requested change of name.
  • I am not changing my name to avoid debts or defraud creditors.

II. WHAT FORMS ARE INCLUDED

A. Petition to Change Name - (MS-NC-200) This document states the reasons and other required details for your name change.

B. Order of Name Change - (MS-NC-201) 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.

C. Consent to Name Change - (MS-NC-202) This document provides the consent of any necessary party.

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 (MINOR) 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

  1. Step 1: Complete all the forms using complete names – middle names instead of middle initials.
  2. Step 2: File the Petition in the Chancery Court in the county in which you have been a resident and pay the appropriate fee.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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-2.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.

Minor Name Change Petition Information

Please provide the following information for the minor name change petition:

Current Name of Minor:

Proposed New Name for Minor:

Reason for Requested Name Change:

Parent/Guardian Information (if applicable for consent):

Petitioner's Signature (Parent/Guardian for Minor):

Signature

Date

Printed Name

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What the Mississippi Adult Name Change Is

A Mississippi Adult Name Change is a legal petition filed by an individual age 18 or older to change their legal name. The process generally begins by preparing and filing a written petition with the county chancery court, following local procedural rules, and may include notice, a hearing, and a judicial order. Once the court signs the order, the petitioner obtains certified copies to update identity documents, tax records, and other official accounts. Requirements and timing vary by county and court; consult the local chancery clerk for exact procedures.

Why a Formal Name-Change Petition Matters

A court-ordered name change provides a clear, legally recognized record that lets you update government IDs, financial accounts, and employment records. It reduces future identity mismatches and provides a single certified order accepted by most public and private institutions.

Why a Formal Name-Change Petition Matters

Who Typically Files a Mississippi Adult Name Change

Individuals seek a name change for many reasons; the process is designed for adult petitioners who need an official, court-based record.

  • Private Individuals seeking alignment with gender identity or personal preference, who need court validation to change official documents.
  • New Spouses or divorced adults who want to adopt or resume a surname used in daily life or prior to marriage.
  • Professionals updating records for licensing, certifications, banking, and employer payroll systems to avoid administrative conflicts.

Core Components of a Complete Petition Package

A professional petition package groups essential documents and steps so courts can process the request without avoidable delays.

Petition

A formal, signed document stating current name, requested name, and reasons; addresses fees and jurisdictional facts for the chancery court.

Verification

A sworn affidavit or verification showing petitioner’s identity, residency, and that the requested change is not for fraud or evasion.

Notice

A clerk-directed notice or proof of publication when required by local rule; demonstrates community notice or statutory compliance.

Supporting ID

Copies of government-issued ID and birth certificate or other identity documents used to verify legal identity and birth facts.

Court Order

A draft or form order for the judge to sign that explicitly states the new legal name and effective date of the change.

Certified Copies

Multiple certified court copies obtained after the order is signed to update social security, DMV, banks, and other agencies.

Required Information and Fields

Full Legal Name: Current complete name
Requested Name: New full name
Date of Birth: MM/DD/YYYY
Residency: County and state
Reason: Brief lawful reason
Signature: Petitioner signature

Step-by-Step: Filing a Mississippi Adult Name Change

Follow these core steps in order; local variations may add requirements such as publication or background checks.

  • 01
    Prepare Petition: Complete petition form and gather ID and supporting documents.
  • 02
    File with Court: Submit petition and pay filing fee at the county chancery clerk's office.
  • 03
    Provide Notice: Complete publication or service as directed by the clerk if required.
  • 04
    Attend Hearing: Appear for the hearing; judge may grant order and sign judgment.

What Happens After You File

After filing, the clerk assigns the matter, processes any required notices, and schedules a hearing; follow the court's instructions.

  • Clerk Review: Clerk checks petition for completeness and assigns a case number.
  • Notice Process: Publication or personal service occurs per local rule.
  • Hearing: Judge reviews petition and evidence, and may grant or deny relief.
  • Order Issued: Signed order becomes the legal authority to update records.

Customize an Online Filing Workflow

If using electronic forms and e-signatures, configure fields and authentication to match court expectations and local rules.

Field Configuration
Signature Type Allow electronic or handwritten per clerk guidance
Authentication Use email or SMS verification; consider stronger ID proofing for notarization
Template Pre-fill repeatable fields to reduce data errors
Save Format Export as PDF/A for long-term retention

Document Formats and Integrations for eFiling

Courts and agencies accept specific file formats and may require signed originals or certified copies depending on local rules.

  • Supported Formats: PDF, PDF/A, DOCX are widely accepted
  • Common Integrations: Salesforce, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365
  • Authentication: Email, SMS code, or stronger methods

Typical Timing and Processing Expectations

Processing time depends on county caseload, publication schedules, and court calendars; plan for variable lead times when updating critical IDs.

Initial Clerk Processing:

Often within 1–3 business days after filing

Publication Period:

When required, usually 2–4 weeks of notice

Hearing Scheduling:

Typically set within 2–12 weeks depending on court

Order Finalization:

Judge signs order on hearing date if granted

Obtaining Certified Copies:

Available immediately or within several days from clerk

Common Mistakes That Cause Delays

  • Submitting a petition with name spelling differences from ID; ensure exact matches to avoid identity verification problems and extra filings.
  • Skipping required notice or publication steps; failure to complete court-ordered notice can result in delayed hearings or denial.
  • Using incorrect county venue; file in the county where you reside to prevent dismissal or transfer delays.
  • Failing to obtain certified copies after the order; many agencies require certified copies rather than plain photocopies for updates.

Risks and Consequences of an Incorrect Filing

Denied Petition: Denial of request
Record Mismatch: Difficulty updating IDs
Identity Confusion: Temporary access issues
Tax Reporting: Potential mismatched filings
Driver's License Delay: DMV processing delays
Additional Costs: Filing and attorney fees

eSignature Pricing Comparison for Name-Change Workflows

Compare vendor pricing and core features typically relevant to document assembly, signing, and notarization workflows; signNow appears first for direct comparison.

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 No No Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Adult Name Changes

Answers address common procedural, timing, and e-signature questions petitioners ask when preparing and filing an adult name-change petition.


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