R. 4:72-1. — Complaint

a. Change of Name for Adult.

1. Generally. An action for change of name of an adult shall be filed and heard in the Law Division, Civil Part. The action shall be commenced by filing a verified complaint which shall contain the date of birth of the plaintiff and shall state: (1) that the application is not made with the intent to avoid creditors or to obstruct criminal prosecution or for other fraudulent purposes; (2) whether plaintiff has ever been convicted of a crime and, if so, the nature of the crime and the sentence imposed; (3) whether any criminal charges are pending against plaintiff and, if so, such detail regarding the charges as is reasonably necessary to enable the Division of Criminal Justice or the appropriate county prosecutor to identify the matter.

2. Return to Prior Name or Assumption of New Surname in Dissolution Matters. Any action for return to a name used prior to a marriage or civil union shall be filed and heard in the Chancery Division, Family Part, either as part of the dissolution complaint or by post-judgment motion. Any action to assume a new surname may be filed and heard in the Chancery Division, Family Part only when it is sought as part of the final relief in a pending dissolution case.

b. Change of Name for Minor. An action for the change of name of a minor shall be filed and heard in the Chancery Division, Family Part. The action shall be commenced by filing a verified complaint by a parent or guardian on behalf of the minor which shall contain the date of birth of the minor and shall state: (1) that the application is not made with the intent to avoid creditors or to obstruct criminal prosecution or for other fraudulent purposes; (2) whether the minor has ever been adjudicated delinquent or convicted of a crime and, if so, the nature of the crime and the disposition/sentence imposed; (3) whether any criminal charges are pending against the minor and, if so, such detail regarding the charges as is reasonably necessary to enable the Division of Criminal Justice or the appropriate county prosecutor to identify the matter. Absent extraordinary circumstances, where the parent or guardian and the minor consent to the change of name, the court shall conduct the hearing in a summary fashion for the limited purpose of creating a record and confirming the information set forth in the verified complaint.

c. Change of Name of Adults and Minors in Same Family. An action for change of name of both adults and minors in the same family shall be filed and heard in the Chancery Division, Family Part and shall follow the same process as set forth in paragraph (b) of this rule.