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Pennsylvania Name Change
Pennsylvania Name Change Instructions and Forms Package for a Minor

Name Change Options

Q: What is a legitimate reason to change your name?

Changing Your Name Because You Don&#039;t Like It If you hate your name, never went by your first name or are tired of having your name mispronounced or misspelled, you can legally change your name to something that better suits you. If you go by your middle name, you might want to erase your first name forever.

Category:

Name Change - General

State:

Pennsylvania

Control #:

PA-NAME-2

Format:

Instant download

Description

This is a Name Change Package for a minor in your state. This package contains (1) State Specific Information on Change of Name, (2) Steps to Change your Name, (3) Forms Required and (4) Access to State Specific Law Summary. Your Satisfaction is Guaranteed or Your Money Back!

Name change options refer to the various methods and procedures available for individuals to legally change their names. These options cater to different situations and requirements, allowing individuals to update and modify their names to align with personal, professional, or legal reasons. The following are some of the most common name change options: 1. Marriage Name Change: This option is available for individuals who wish to adopt their spouse's last name after getting married. It involves updating the legal documents such as driver's license, social security card, and passport with the new name. 2. Divorce Name Change: Following a divorce, individuals can choose to revert to their previous name or adopt a completely new name. This option allows them to update legal documents to reflect the desired name change. 3. Court Petition Name Change: If an individual wishes to change their name for personal, cultural, or any other reason not covered by marriage or divorce, they can file a petition in court. The court reviews the petition and grants the name change if the request aligns with the legal requirements. 4. Adoption Name Change: When an individual is adopted, they often have the option to change their name. This provides an opportunity for the adopted to seamlessly integrate into their new family by adopting their surname, or even changing their first name if desired. 5. Nickname Usage: For some individuals, using a nickname or a shortened version of their name serves as an informal name change without requiring any legal processes. This option is suitable for those who prefer a less formal name but do not want to go through official procedures. 6. Name Change for Gender Identity: People who identify as transgender or non-binary often choose to change their names to reflect their true identity. This option allows individuals to legally adopt a name that aligns with their gender identity, promoting personal comfort and societal recognition. 7. Name Change for Personal or Professional Reasons: Individuals looking to create a fresh start or distance themselves from a negative association may consider a name change for personal or professional reasons. This option grants them the opportunity to redefine their identity and reputation. In conclusion, name change options include marriage, divorce, court petition, adoption, nickname usage, gender identity, and personal/professional reasons. These options recognize individuals' diverse needs, ensuring that they have the flexibility to change their names in a legal and appropriate manner.

How to fill out Pennsylvania Name Change Instructions And Forms Package For A Minor?

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FAQ

Deciding to legally change your name is a big step and one that should not be made lightly. In most situations, you must have a very good reason to change your name, and a judge must approve your request and issue a name change order unless the name change is related to marital status.

Name Change Procedure in India Step 1: To Create The Name Change Affidavit. Make an affidavit with the help of a lawyer. ... Step 2: To Place an Advertisement. Publish an advertisement about the name change in a local and a national newspaper. ... Step 3: Gazette Publication - Name Change Gazette Procedure.

Changing Your Name Because You Don't Like It If you hate your name, never went by your first name or are tired of having your name mispronounced or misspelled, you can legally change your name to something that better suits you. If you go by your middle name, you might want to erase your first name forever.

In most states, your local court clerk at your county courthouse can provide you with the legal forms, legal documents, name change request form, or name change document with the basic steps you need to request a name change. You must file the original completed documents with the court.

Still, every state except Hawaii will provide you with a Court Order that can be used to make changes with your ID and Official Records. Because of Full Service, by EZ Name Change, California, Georgia and Illinois are considered among the easiest and surest ways to get a name legally changed.

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How to legally change your name in India: Complete guide Step 1: Determine the Reason for the Name Change. 02-Jul-2018 — Visit your nearest Notary and make an affidavit regarding the change of your name.Benefits of officially changing your name. The name change procedure can be divided into three steps. You can change your legal name because you're getting married, getting divorced, or just because you feel like it. Learn what's involved. Generally, a person has two names; the first is your given names, the last, or family name, is your surname. Use the Change of Name Application Form to change your name, your spouse's name or your child's name. There are 3 options for requesting a change to your name: Legal Name Change, Lived Name Change, and Preferred Name Change. To change your name if you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, you must submit a petition to your local Superior Court.

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Pennsylvania Name Change Instructions and Forms Package for a Minor

Note: This summary is not intended to be an all inclusive discussion of the law applicable to an action for change of name in the State of Pennsylvania, but does include basic and other provisions.
Name Change Action Allowed: In Pennsylvania, a person may change their name by filing an action in the Court of Common Pleas with appropriate forms.
Who is an adult for purposes of filing a name change action? A person who has attained the age of 18 years is considered an adult for purposes of suing and being sued.
Who is a minor for purposes of filing a name change action? A person who has not attained the age of 18 years is considered a minor for purposes of suing and being sued.
Is there any reason why a person might not be allowed to change his or her name? Yes. The court must find that (1) there is reasonable cause established for the change of name; and (2) the requested name change is consistent with the public interest. A person is not allowed to change their name in order to avoid judgments or legal actions against him or her, or to avoid debts and obligations. A person can not change their name to defraud any person.
Requirements for Name Change Order: For an order of name change to be granted, the court must finds sufficient reasons for the change and also find it consistent with the public interest. A change of name upon marriage, dissolution, or divorce meets these requirements.
Is Publication of a Notice Required? Not by statute, but it is within the discretion of the Court under the circumstances of each Petition.
Can individuals "object" to my Petition for Name Change? Yes. Any reasonable objections made to the court may influence the court's findings as to whether the change of name is consistent with the public interest.
Procedures: The process for obtaining a name change for an adult in the State of Pennsylvania begins with the filing of a Petition with the Court of Common Pleas in the jurisdiction in which the Petitioner resides.
The Court then forwards the Petition and a completed fingerprint card to the Pennsylvania State Police for processing regarding any possible criminal record. With 60 days the State Police will respond to the Court with any relevant information concerning the Petitioner. The Court may then proceed to enter an Order of Approval of Name Change.
Additional Information and Instructions:
Statutes:
54 Pa. C.S.A. § 701. Court approval required for change of name:
(a) General rule. Except as set forth in subsection (b), it shall be unlawful for any person to assume a name different from the name by which such person is and has been known, unless such change in name is made pursuant to proceedings in court in accordance with subsection (a.1).
(a.1) Procedure.
(1) An individual must file a petition in the court of common pleas of the county in which the individual resides. If a petitioner is married, the petitioner's spouse may join as a party petitioner, in which event, upon compliance with the provisions of this subsection, the spouse shall also be entitled to the benefits of this subsection.
(2) The petition must set forth all of the following:
(i) The intention to change the petitioner's name.
(ii) The reason for the name change.
(iii) The current residence of petitioner.
(iv) Any residence of the petitioner for the five years prior to the date of the petition.
(v) If the petitioner requests the court proceed under paragraph (3)(iii).
(3) Upon filing of the petition, the court shall do all of the following:
(i) Set a date for a hearing on the petition. The hearing shall be held not less than one month nor more than three months after the petition is filed.
(ii) Except as provided in subparagraph (iii), by order, direct that notice be given of the filing of the petition and of the date set for the hearing on the petition and that the notice be treated as follows:
(A) Published in two newspapers of general circulation in the county where the petitioner resides or a county contiguous to that county. One of the publications may be in the official paper for the publication of legal notices in the county.
(B) Given to any nonpetitioning parent of a child whose name may be affected by the proceedings.
(iii) If the court finds that the notice required in subparagraph (ii) would jeopardize the safety of the person seeking the name change or his or her child or ward, the notice required shall be waived by order of the court. Upon granting the request to waive any notice requirement, the court shall seal the file. In all cases filed under this paragraph, whether or not the name change petition is granted, there shall be no public access to any court record of the name change petition, proceeding or order, unless the name change is granted but the file is not sealed. The records shall only be opened by order of the court in which the petition was granted based upon a showing of good cause or at the applicant's request.
(4) At the hearing, the following apply:
(i) Any person having lawful objection to the change of name may appear and be heard.
(ii) The petitioner must present to the court all of the following:
(A) Proof of publication of the notice under paragraph (3)(ii) unless petitioner requested the court proceed under paragraph (3)(iii) and the court granted the request.
(B) An official search of the proper offices of the county where petitioner resides and of any other county where petitioner has resided within five years prior to filing the petition showing that there are no judgments, decrees of record or other similar matters against the petitioner. This clause may be satisfied by a certificate given by a corporation authorized by law to make the search under this clause.
(5) The court may enter a decree changing the name as petitioned if the court is satisfied after the hearing that there is no lawful objection to the granting of the petition.
(b) Informal change of name. - Notwithstanding subsection (a), a person may at any time adopt and use any name if such name is used consistently, nonfraudulently and exclusively. The adoption of such name shall not, however, be in contravention of the prohibitions contained in section 702(c) (relating to change by order of court).
54 Pa.C.S.A. § 702. Change by order of court
(a) General rule. - The court of common pleas of any county may by order change the name of any person resident in the county.
(b) Procedure. - Prior to entry of an order of approval of change of name, all of the following shall apply:
(1) The court must forward to the Pennsylvania State Police a duplicate copy of the application for change of name and a set of the person's fingerprints. The person applying for the change of name is responsible for costs under this paragraph.
(2) The Pennsylvania State Police shall use the fingerprints to determine if the person is subject to 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 91 (relating to criminal history record information). 
 
(3) The Pennsylvania State Police shall: 
 
(i) if the person is subject to 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 91, note the name change on the person’s criminal history record information; or 
 
(ii) if the person is not subject to 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 91, destroy the fingerprints. 
 
(4) Within 60 days of receipt of the material under paragraph (1), the Pennsylvania State Police shall certify to the court what action has been taken under paragraph (3). 
 
(5) The procedure in this subsection shall not apply to proceedings involving: 
 
(i) An election to resume a prior surname pursuant to section 704 (relating to divorced person may resume prior name). 
 
(ii) Name changes involving minor children in adoption proceedings. 
 
(iii) A name change involving a minor child whose name is being changed pursuant to section 703 (relating to effect on children) or because of the change of name of the child’s parent. 
 
(c) Convicted felons.— (1) The court may order a change of name for a person convicted of a felony, subject to provisions of paragraph (2), if: 
 
(i) at least two calendar years have elapsed from the date of completion of a person’s sentence and that person is not subject to the probation or parole jurisdiction of any court, county probation agency or the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole; or 
 
(ii) the person has been pardoned. 
 
(2) The court may not order a change of name for a person convicted of murder, voluntary manslaughter, rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, robbery as defined in 18 Pa.C.S. § 3701(a)(1)(i) (relating to robbery), aggravated assault as defined in 18 Pa.C.S. § 2702(a)(1) or (2) (relating to aggravated assault), arson as defined in 18 Pa.C.S. § 3301(a) (relating to arson and related offenses), kidnapping or robbery of a motor vehicle or criminal attempt, criminal conspiracy or criminal solicitation to commit any of the offenses listed above or an equivalent crime under the laws of this Commonwealth in effect at the time of the commission of that offense or an equivalent crime in another jurisdiction. 
 
(3) The court shall notify the Office of Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police and the office of the district attorney of the county in which the person resides when a change of name for a person convicted of a felony has been ordered. The Pennsylvania State Police, upon receipt of this notice, shall include the change of name information in the central repository as provided for in 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 91. (relating to criminal history record information). 
 
54 Pa.C.S.A. § 703. Effect on children 
 
(a) General rule.— Whenever an order is made under this chapter changing the surname of anyone who is at the time thereof the parent of a minor child or adopted minor child, then under the care of such parent, the new surname of such parent shall, unless otherwise ordered by the court, thereafter be borne likewise by such minor child. 
 
(b) Further change on attaining majority.— Any minor child whose surname has been changed pursuant to subsection (a) upon attaining majority shall also be entitled to the benefits of section 702 (relating to change by order of court). 
 
54 Pa.C.S.A. § 704. Divorcing and divorced person may resume prior name 
 
(a) General rule. — Any person who is a party in a divorce action may, at any time prior to or subsequent to the entry of the divorce decree, resume any prior surname used by him or her by filing a written notice to such effect in the office of the prothonotary of the county in which the divorce action was filed or the decree of divorce was entered, showing the caption and docket number of the proceeding in divorce. 
 
(b) Foreign decrees.— Where a divorced person has been the subject of a decree of divorce granted in a foreign jurisdiction, a certified copy of such foreign divorce decree may be filed with the prothonotary of the county where the person resides and, thereafter, the notice specified in subsection (a) may be filed with reference to such decree. 
 
54 Pa.C.S.A. § 705. Penalty for violation of chapter: 
Any person violating the provisions of this chapter for purpose of avoiding payment of taxes or other debts commits a summary offense. 
 
Other Name Change References: 
 
23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5101. Attainment of full age. 
 
(a) Age for entering into contracts. — Any individual 18 years of age and older shall have the right to enter into binding and legally enforceable contracts and the defense of minority shall not be available to such individuals. 
 
(b) Age for suing and being sued. — Except where otherwise provided or prescribed by law, an individual 18 years of age and older shall be deemed an adult and may sue and be sued as such.

Pennsylvania Name Change Instructions and Forms Package for a Minor

Name Change Options

Description

How to fill out Pennsylvania Name Change Instructions And Forms Package For A Minor?

Form popularity

FAQ

What is the rule for changing the name?

How can I change my name in everything?

What is a legitimate reason to change your name?

Where is the best place to change your name?

Where is it easiest to change your name?

Interesting Questions

What are the different name change options available?

Why would someone want to change their name?

Can I change my name to anything I want?

What is a marriage name change?

How can I change my name after a divorce?

What is a legal name change?

What is a deed poll?

Are name change records publicly accessible?

How long does it take to complete a name change?

Do I need a lawyer to change my name?

More info

Trusted and secure by over 3 million people of the world’s leading companies

Name Change Options

Description

How to fill out Pennsylvania Name Change Instructions And Forms Package For A Minor?

Form popularity

FAQ

What is the rule for changing the name?

How can I change my name in everything?

What is a legitimate reason to change your name?

Where is the best place to change your name?

Where is it easiest to change your name?