Name Change Petition: In Pennsylvania, a person may change their name by filing an action in the Court of Common Pleas with the appropriate petition. For purposes of filing a name change, an adult is a person who has attained the age of 18 years. For a name change to be granted, the court must find that there is reasonable cause established for the change of name; and that 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. 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.
The process for obtaining a name change for an adult in Pennsylvania begins with the filing of a Petition with the Pennsylvania 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. Within 60 days the State Police will respond to the Court with any relevant information concerning the Petitioner. At that point, the Court may then proceed to enter an Order of Approval of Name Change.
At Ciccarelli Lawyers, our Pennsylvania Family Law Lawyers are both passionate in what they do and compassionate in their treatment of their clients. You deserve a Pennsylvania family law lawyer that is available when you need him, treats you with respect, and protects your rights vigorously. We make your choice all the clearer with locations throughout the metropolitan Philadelphia Pennsylvania, including Center City Philadelphia, West Chester PA, Downingtown/Exton PA, Kennett Square PA, Lancaster PA, King of Prussia PA, Plymouth Meeting PA, Radnor and Springfield PA.
Contact us when you need legal advice on filing a Name Change Petition. We serve the greater Philadelphia area including Chester County, Delaware County, Lancaster County, Montgomery County, Bucks County, Berks County, Downingtown, Paoli, Media, Norristown, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, Reading and Allentown. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania Family Law Attorney at Ciccarelli Lawyers, by contacting us at (610) 925-2500 or toll free at (877) 529-2422.
