Public Notice Requirement

Public Notice Requirement. (a) Unless waived by the court for good cause, a petitioner must publish a notice of the proposed name change at least twice in a newspaper of general circulation in the CNMI. The publications must occur at least 7 days apart. The first publication shall be made at least 30 days before the hearing on the change of name of petition, and the second publication shall be made at least 14 days before the hearing. The notice shall include the following: (1) The petitioner’s current legal name; (2) The name the petitioner proposes to assume; (3) A statement that the petition has been filed with the CNMI Superior Court, including the case number, if applicable; (4) The date, time, and location of the scheduled hearing on the change of name petition; (5) A statement that any person may file an objection with the court before the scheduled hearing if they believe the name change is being sought for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose, to mislead or deceive others, to evade legal obligations, or to interfere with the rights of others; and (6) Instructions on where and how to submit objections, including the address of the CNMI Superior Court and the deadline for filing. (b) The petitioner shall file proof of publication with the court prior to the scheduled hearing date. Failure to provide proof of publication may result in dismissal of the petition. The court may waive this proof of publication requirement for good cause. (c) Any person with an objection to the change of name petition may file a written opposition with the court before the scheduled hearing. Source: PL 24-38, § 2 (Aug. 27, 2026). Commission Comment: The Commission renumbered the section from “102” to “20102” pursuant to 1 CMC § 3806(a).