Section 12. A petition for the change of name of a person may be heard by the probate court in the county where the petitioner resides. The change of name of a person shall be granted unless such change is inconsistent with public interests.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations
Title III - Domestic Relations
Chapter 210 - Adoption of Children and Change of Names
Section 1 - Nature of Adoption; District or Juvenile Court
Section 2 - Written Consent of Certain Persons; Form of Consent; Identification of Father
Section 2a - Decree of Adoption; Entry; Conditions Precedent
Section 2b - Adoption Decrees; Mandatory Language
Section 3 - Dispensing With Required Consent in Certain Cases
Section 3b - Registration of Interest for Pre-Adoptive or Adoptive Placement; Criminal Record Review
Section 4a - Fathers of Children Born Out of Wedlock; Adoption Rights
Section 5 - Failure to Object After Notice; Proceedings
Section 5a - Children Under Fourteen; Adoption; Regulations; Removals
Section 5b - Adoptive Custody; Factors Considered; Request for Religious Designation
Section 5c - Inspection of Pleadings, Reports, etc.; Docket Book
Section 5d - Release of Information Concerning Adoption
Section 5e - Department of Children and Families Adoption Report
Section 6 - Decree of Court; Force and Effect; Private Hearings
Section 6a - Certificates of Adoption
Section 6b - Adoption Nunc Pro Tunc
Section 6c - Agreement for Post-Adoption Contact or Communication
Section 6d - Enforcement of Agreement
Section 6e - Decisions of Adoptive Parent on Behalf of Child
Section 9 - Succession to Property; Right of Child Adopted in Foreign State
Section 10 - Second Adoption; Effect
Section 11a - Adoption Services Offered by Certain Persons or Agencies; Penalty
Section 12 - Petitions for Change of Name
Section 13 - Notice and Certificate; Decree; Entry; Conditions Precedent