NAME CHANGE PETITIONS - legal services by Sara B. Abdullah, Esq.
The ability of an adult or child to obtain a change of name will depend on the facts of each case. A change of names is not possible in all circumstances. Some changes of name can be obtained by submitting the correct forms to the Department of Vital Statistics or to the Court of Common Pleas in your county of residence. Other name changes will depend on the discretion of the judge, who is assigned to hear the petition for a name change. A person does not have a right to a change of name. The Court can deny a petition for a change of name for any reason. A judge may use his/her discretion to find out if you can change your name or your child's name. Note: Attorney Kristen Schneck does not provide services in this area.
Adult Name Changes
Many adults want to have their name changed to facilitate a fresh start in life. For an adult who is newly divorced, the procedure is very simple. Forms are available in the Prothonotary's office of each county to change a married surname to a prior surname. If the divorce was filed in another county or state, the person seeking the name change can file the decree and the name change form in the Prothonotary's office.
A name change is not so simple when an adult wishes to have his/her given name or surname changed for a reason other than divorce. An adult must file a petition in the Court of Common Pleas to obtain a name change. In addition, an adult is required to publicize the fact that his/her name is about to be changed. The government is concerned that an adult may wish to change his/her name to avoid credit problems, a history of criminal acts, or use a new name to commit fraudulent acts.
A name change is not so simple when an adult wishes to have his/her given name or surname changed for a reason other than divorce. An adult must file a petition in the Court of Common Pleas to obtain a name change. In addition, an adult is required to publicize the fact that his/her name is about to be changed. The government is concerned that an adult may wish to change his/her name to avoid credit problems, a history of criminal acts, or use a new name to commit fraudulent acts.
Name Changes for a Minor
A Parents often wish to change their children's names when they make a new start in life. One way to start is that a parent must petition the Court of Common Pleas in their county of residence, if the other parent does not consent to the name change. The procedures and forms for filing a name change petition for a child are the same as for an adult. However, the Courts use a different standard in determining whether to grant a name change for a child. The judicial standard for changing the name of a minor is "the best interest of the child."
A name change for a child can also be accomplished, if both biological parents consent to the change of name. Both of the biological parents must complete and sign the form on the back of their child's birth certificate. The form is then mailed to the Department of Vital Statistics. The Department of Vital Statistics will send the parents a new birth certificate containing the child's new name.
A name change for a child can also be accomplished, if both biological parents consent to the change of name. Both of the biological parents must complete and sign the form on the back of their child's birth certificate. The form is then mailed to the Department of Vital Statistics. The Department of Vital Statistics will send the parents a new birth certificate containing the child's new name.
