New Jersey Adult Name-Change Companion — Checklists for a Court-Ordered Change in Law Division, Civil Part
Attorney-reviewed by Bonnie B. Henderson, Esq. Shop is not a law firm; purchase is not representation.
A plain-English companion to the free New Jersey Courts adult name-change packet, for people 18 or older who need a court-ordered name change in Superior Court, Law Division, Civil Part. You get a “should I use this path?” guide (vs. marriage/divorce shortcuts vs. Family Part for minors), a map of the official CN 10551 forms by name and purpose (not a reprint), and a filing checklist with the posted $250 fee, case type 151, hearing/notice steps, and post-judgment stops the packet actually names. NJ Courts already publishes the packet at no charge. This kit does not reprint those forms. You download the current packet from njcourts.gov and file it yourself. Plum Packet is not a law firm and not a filing service. This is not legal advice, it does not create an attorney-client relationship, and nobody appears in court for you.
What’s included
Five PDF files:
| File | What you get |
|---|---|
| Readme | How to use the kit. |
| Disclaimer | Standalone disclaimer. Read it first. |
| Should I use this? | When Law Division Civil Part vs. Family Part (under 18) vs. marriage/divorce vs. vital-records correction is the right path. Official URLs. Not for using a name change to avoid creditors or prosecution. |
| Packet walkthrough | Plain-English map of Verified Complaint, Certification of Confidential Information for Name Change, Order Fixing Date of Hearing, Final Judgment, Final Judgment Addendum, Proof of Mailing, and the CIS (case type 151). Not a reprint. You still download CN 10551 from njcourts.gov. |
| Filing checklist | County Civil Division directory (no invented addresses), JEDS vs. mail vs. in person, $250 fee as posted, 20-day Criminal Justice notice, hearing, certified copies, Treasury / Vital Statistics / MVC steps from the official packet. |
Format: PDF.
Not included: the NJ Courts name-change forms (those are free on njcourts.gov); filing or appearing for you; certified copies; Family Part / under-18 name change; marriage or divorce name-change paperwork; a private background check.
Who it’s for
- An adult 18+ seeking a court-ordered name change in New Jersey Law Division, Civil Part.
- People who will download the current official packet (CN 10551), pay the court (or apply for a fee waiver), send the required notices, and appear at their own hearing.
Who it’s not for
- Anyone under 18, or an adult changing a child’s name (or changing names together with a child). That is Family Part. Use NJ Courts packet CN 10552 / the minors self-help page — not this kit.
- Name change only because of a recent marriage, or a prior name already covered by a divorce judgment, when NJ Courts says you do not need this packet.
- Anyone who wants to evade creditors, criminal prosecution, or another fraudulent purpose.
- Anyone who needs a lawyer to evaluate the request or appear in court.
- Anyone who wants Plum Packet to file, mail notices, or show up.
If any of those describe you, do not buy this kit. Use njcourts.gov or hire counsel.
Price
$5.00 (USD). One-time download. No subscription. No court fees are bundled — you pay the Judiciary separately (as of the kit’s research date, the adult name-change filing fee is $250, unless a fee waiver is granted). Confirm the current amount on njcourts.gov the day you file.
FAQ
Is this legal advice? Am I hiring Bonnie Henderson?
No. The kit is general information and checklists. Buying it does not create an attorney-client relationship with Bonnie B. Henderson, Esq., with any law firm, or with Plum Packet. Plum Packet is an online shop, not a law firm. Purchase does not include representation, a consultation, review of your papers, or anyone appearing in court. If you need advice, hire counsel separately.
Do you file my name-change case for me?
No. Plum Packet is not a filing service. You download the current packet from NJ Courts and file through JEDS, by mail, or in person. The kit tells you which official URLs to use.
Is this the official court form?
No. NJ Courts already publishes the forms for free. This is a companion and checklist. Do not file this kit. File the Judiciary’s current adult packet (CN 10551 as of the research date).
Why would I pay $5 if the forms are free?
You shouldn’t if you only want the PDF. The $5 is for plain-English sorting (Civil Part vs. Family Part vs. marriage/divorce), a filing checklist with verified fees and official URLs, and a form-name map that does not reprint the court papers. If that is not worth $5, use njcourts.gov and skip the kit.
What is the filing fee?
As of August 27, 2026, NJ Courts posted $250.00 for this adult name-change filing, payable to Treasurer, State of New Jersey (credit card in JEDS). Source: CN 10551 and Name Change for Adults. Fee waivers: https://www.njcourts.gov/self-help/fee-waiver. Confirm the day you file.
Can I use this for my child’s name?
No. Under 18 is Family Part. Official packet CN 10552: https://www.njcourts.gov/self-help/name-change/name-change-minor
Do I have to publish in a newspaper?
The current adult packet (CN 10551, rev. 02/08/2021) does not instruct newspaper publication. A 2020 rule change eliminated that requirement. Confirm the current packet when you file.
Is this kit attorney-reviewed?
Attorney-reviewed by Bonnie B. Henderson, Esq. Shop is not a law firm; purchase is not representation.
Disclaimer
This product is general information. It is not legal advice. Buying it does not create an attorney-client relationship with Bonnie B. Henderson, Esq., with any law firm, or with Plum Packet. Plum Packet is not a law firm and does not appear in court. New Jersey fees, forms, and rules change — confirm on njcourts.gov before you file. You download the official court forms and file your own papers. Full text is in the Disclaimer PDF in the download.
Official forms and instructions: https://www.njcourts.gov/self-help/name-change/name-change-adults