Delaware Name Change Resources

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A name change in Delaware can come up inside a divorce, where a spouse asks to restore a former name, or as its own filing. Either way the court has to approve it in writing before the new name is official.

The official Delaware documents below cover the request. Once the order is signed, you normally take a certified copy to the agencies that hold your records.

Official Delaware name change resources

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Delaware family law forms (official index) (Delaware judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Delaware family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://courts.delaware.gov/forms/family.aspx

Delaware court self-help resources (Delaware courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Delaware family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://courts.delaware.gov/help

Delaware court locations (Delaware judicial branch): Find the courthouse or clerk that serves your area, with locations and contact details. https://courts.delaware.gov/locations/

File & Serve Delaware (Family Court not included) (Tyler Technologies): Delaware Family Court does not offer e-filing at all as of mid-2026, so divorce and custody papers are filed on paper with the Family Court clerk. Other Delaware courts use separate e-filing systems that do not cover family cases. https://www.fileandservedelaware.com/

Verified official Delaware name change documents

These official documents are what Delaware publishes for a name change request.

Change of Name Petitions (Common Pleas Packet) (Name Change), official document: https://courts.delaware.gov/forms/download.aspx?id=16858

Official link data for Delaware was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Can I restore my former name in the divorce itself?

In many states yes, if you ask for it before the final order is entered. Ask early, because reopening the case later is more work than including it up front.

What do I do after the judge signs it?

Get certified copies of the order and take them to the agencies that hold your records. Each agency has its own process.