I would like to have my name legally changed. How do I do that, and will it cost me anything? -- Elaine, Dudley
 
Your first step will be filing a Petition at the Probate and Family Court in the county where you live. There is a $165 filing fee. You must also file several documents along with your Petition, including a certified copy of your Birth Certificate and certified copies of the documentation for any prior name changes (such as the court decree). Usually, the Petitioner must pay to publish a notice of the Petition in a local paper, but that requirement may be waived by the court upon motion by the Petitioner.
 
If there are no objections to the Petition, the court will enter a decree and direct that a certificate be issued under the seal of the court establishing the new name. If someone objects to the proposed name change, the court will hold a trial and either dismiss the Petition or enter a decree permitting the change. Most of the state's Probate and Family Courts have information on their Websites about the process for changing your name. The Hampshire County Probate and Family Court Site also provides all the forms you will need to start the process: http://www.hampshireprobate.com/Change%20of%20Name/change_of_name.htm. (Submitted by the Editor)