To establish a change of name legal procedure in the CNMI.

Northern Mariana residents get name-change process

Residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) can ask the Superior Court for a legal name change. The written, signed petition must list their current legal name, birth date, birthplace, residence, and proposed name. Petitioners must state under penalty of perjury that the change is not for fraud, unlawful purposes, deception, avoiding legal duties, or interfering with others’ rights. The Supreme Court may set standard forms and a reasonable filing fee. People who cannot afford the fee may request a waiver. Unless waived for good cause, notice must appear at least twice in a CNMI newspaper of general circulation, at least 7 days apart. The first notice must appear at least 30 days before the hearing; the second, at least 14 days before. Notice must list both names, the case number if applicable, and the hearing’s date, time, and location. It must explain grounds for objections and how and where to file them, including the court’s address and filing deadline. Anyone may file a written objection before the hearing. Petitioners must file proof of publication before the hearing unless the court waives that requirement for good cause. The court holds a hearing and must approve the change unless substantial evidence shows one of the prohibited purposes. Speculation alone is not enough. The court order recognizes the new name and can support updates to identification cards, birth certificates, and other official records. An order granting the change is a final judgment; appeals to the CNMI Supreme Court must be filed within 30 days of issuance.