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Changing a Name

R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-9-9 — a name change is a probate court matter, and a divorce decree can authorize one too

Every probate court has jurisdiction, in its own city or town, over changes of names of persons.

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A person divorced in Rhode Island may ask that the divorce decree authorize a change of name, with the same rights and liabilities as before.

Each probate court sets its own forms and fees. A particular name change is a question for a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

Sources for this section (2)
  1. R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-9-9 — General probate jurisdiction
  2. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-17 — Change of name

Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

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