How to Change Your Name in Delaware

Instructions - http://howtochangeyourname.com/delaware.htm

The Delaware name change for an adult as described in the State Code 5901 is done by filing a petition to the county's civil court where you are a resident. It is easier, if you were just married, to have your certified marriage license with the raised seal or if you were recently divorced to have your divorce decree. Typically, you will not have a court hearing in Delaware but it depends on the circumstances of the name change.

REQUIREMENTS
Must be a resident for at least 6 months
If just married, must have your original marriage certificate.
If just divorced, must have your divorce decree.
Must be at least 18 years old.

Step 1 - You will have to announce your name change to the general public through a newspaper. Your ad will have to be published once per week for 3 consecutive weeks. Every newspaper has a direct line and department for this and you can find out the newspaper you can advertise below.
Kent County Newspaper List
New Castle County Newspaper List
Sussex County Newspaper List

Step 2 - Upon completion of publication of your ad, you will be required to fill-in a name change petition from the County that you reside (See Below). Do not sign until you are in front of a public notary to notarize the last page of the petition. A notary can be found at every branch bank in the United States.
Name Change Petitions for your County:
Kent County Name Change Petition
New Castle County Name Change Petition
Sussex County Name Change Petition
Step 3 - File the Petition to the County Court Clerk's office in the County where your live (See County List). Pay the filing fee and you will be given a case number.

Step 4 - Upon filing your petition, the clerk will assign you a date for your Court Hearing. Most of the time the Judge just authorizes your name change certificate without any questions but the Judge may ask you the reasons why you are deciding to change your name.

Step 5 - The last step required by the State of Delaware is that the petitioner, upon receiving the name change certifcate, must notify all public and private institutions of name change.