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Probate and Family Court forms for adoption and name change

Find adoption and name change forms

An adoption is the act by which a person takes the child of another into his or her family. Making the child, for all legal purposes, his or her own child.

Name change is the legal process of changing your name. By going through a court name change proceeding.

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Adoption

Petition for Adoption and Affidavit of Petitioner(s) (CJP 87) 

(3/31/14)

Court Activity Record Information and Warrant Management System Release Request Form (CJP 34) 
Motion for Service by Alternate Means and Affidavit of Diligent Search (CJP 31) 

Use this form when (1) the address or whereabouts of a legal parent or court-appointed guardian is unknown; or (2) the address or whereabouts of a legal parent or court-appointed guardian is known, but service cannot be accomplished.

More information about adoption 

Name Change

Probate and Family Court Petition to Change Name of Adult (CJP 27) 

Revised 5/6/24 - Use to request a change of name for a person 18 years of age or older. Also available in in Portuguese and Spanish. Click the link above to access the translations.

Petition to Change Name of Minor (CJP 25) 

Revised 5/6/24 - Use to request a change of name for a minor under the age of 18. Also available in Portuguese and Spanish. Click the link above to access the translations.

Open PDF file, 1.38 MB,  Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit (English, PDF 1.38 MB)

In cases involving a child, use this form to tell the court about any other open or closed cases involving the child. You must file the Affidavit in cases involving the care, custody, visitation, or change of name of a child. See Trial Court Rule IV for more details (October 2024).

Open PDF file, 1.35 MB,  Supplemental Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit (English, PDF 1.35 MB)

In cases involving more than 4 children, use this form along with the Child Care or Custody Affidavit for additional space to tell the court about any other open or closed cases. See Trial Court Rule IV for more details. (October 2024).

Assent to Petition to Change Name of Minor (CJP 30) 

Revised 5/6/24 - Use this form when a minor child's legal parent or court-appointed guardian wants to assent to the petition using a separate form.

Court Activity Record Information and Warrant Management System Release Request Form (CJP 34) 

Revised 5/6/24

Motion for Service by Alternate Means and Affidavit of Diligent Search (CJP 31) 

Use this form when (1) the address or whereabouts of a legal parent or court-appointed guardian is unknown; or (2) the address or whereabouts of a legal parent or court-appointed guardian is known, but service cannot be accomplished.

Motion (CJD 400) 

If you have a reason the notice shouldn't be published, file a Motion to waive publication. An affidavit (a sworn statement) must be filed with the motion explaining why you don’t want the notice published. You may have to go before a judge to present your reasons. Available in Portuguese and Spanish at the link above.

Uniform Probate and Family Court Practice XXXV: Change of name actions 

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