Clarification on legal language

[Circlenaut]

So I'm petitioning the county family and probate court to change my name by dropping my father's last name and replace it with my mother's maiden name. I received a notice in the mail and just need a little clarification on the language used.

The letter states:

To all persons interested in petition described:
A petition has been presented by "xxx" requesting that xxx be allowed to change his/her/their name as follows: "xxy"

If you desire to object thereto, you or your attorney must file a written appearance in said court at: date

Then a box at the bottom:

Order of Notice

It is ordered that notice of said proceeding be given:

by publishing a copy thereof in "local newspaper": publication to be seven (7) days at least before said return day.

So first thing I need to do is contact my local newspaper and ask them to publish a name change notice.
So ONLY if I object to this petition (meaning I change my mind) do I need to show up to court on this date with a letter stating so?

So the only thing I need to do to make this official is to published the name change and once that date has rolled by I'll get a certificate with the official name change? BTW I'm in MA.

 

[RKS]

you most likely need to show up regardless (probably in a small room with a magistrate) as well as anybody who may object to the name change. you are giving notice to all that may object, by publication.

In general, the public notice should contain the language:

To all persons interested in petition described:
A petition has been presented by "xxx" requesting that xxx be allowed to change his/her/their name as follows: "xxy"

If you desire to object thereto, you or your attorney must file a written appearance in said court at: date

 

[sixone]

Call the court clerk and ask. They can tell you what is required.

 

[Circlenaut]

Thanks RKS and sixone. I'll call the court and double check.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Call the court clerk and ask. They can tell you what is required.

If you ever want to get along here, you have to stop giving common sense advice. I'm just sayin'

 

[lxskllr]

If you ever want to get along here, you have to stop giving common sense advice. I'm just sayin'

Women... :rolls eyes: