Names can be powerful – William Shakespeare knew that, and you likely do too. You may not know, however, that many states allow you to change your name (with the Court’s permission).
In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, you can request that the courts change your legal name(s), regardless of their marital status. While both states permit divorced spouses to resume their maiden names when a final decree is issued, a legal name change does not necessarily need to involve a divorce. In addition to changing the last name (or surname) it is also possible to request that the court change your first name.
Adults over the age of 18 can request a name change subject to certain requirements.
Similarly, a parent or legal guardian may also request a legal name change on behalf of a child under the age of 18. However, if one parent disputes the legal name change, a judge may or may not grant the request. Typically, a hearing is held at which time a judge will determine if it is in the child’s best interests to assume a new name.
This process can be confusing, time-consuming, and expensive if done incorrectly. Attorneys at Martine, Katz Scanlon and Schimmel are experienced with the legal name change processes in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.