Name change procedures vary by county and may change. Always verify current requirements with the Allegheny County court before filing.

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Legal Name Changes

Pennsylvania allows individuals to legally change their name by filing a petition in the Court of Common Pleas. Divorce-related name changes follow a simplified process.

54 Pa.C.S.A. § 701 et seq.

Types of Name Changes

Name Change During Divorce

23 Pa.C.S.A. § 3103

The simplest route — you can request your former/maiden name be restored as part of the divorce decree itself. No separate petition needed.

Include the name change request in the divorce complaint or a separate motion
Court grants it automatically as part of the divorce decree under § 3103
No publication requirement
No separate filing fee

Standalone Adult Name Change

54 Pa.C.S.A. § 701

For non-divorce-related changes, file a separate petition. Requires publication in two newspapers and a hearing.

File a Petition for Change of Name in the county where you reside
Publish notice in two Allegheny County newspapers (one of general circulation, one a legal journal)
Attend a court hearing (usually brief, before a judge)
Background check — court verifies no criminal history concerns
Filing fee approximately $170–$200 in Allegheny County

Minor Child Name Change

54 Pa.C.S.A. § 701(a.1)

Changing a child's name requires both parents' consent or a court order finding the change is in the child's best interest.

Both parents must consent (written, notarized)
If one parent objects, a hearing is held under the best-interest standard
Publication in two newspapers required
Court considers: length of time the name has been used, effect on parent-child bond, child's preference if old enough

Common Reasons for Name Changes

•Restoring a maiden/former name after divorce
•Changing a child's surname to match the custodial parent
•Gender identity — updating name to match gender identity
•Cultural or personal preference
•Correcting a misspelled name on official documents

Step-by-Step Process

Decide Which Path

During divorce: request in divorce papers (free, no publication). After divorce or unrelated: file standalone petition.

Prepare the Petition

Include: current legal name, desired new name, reason for change, criminal history disclosure, residence address.

Publish Notice

For standalone petitions: publish in two Allegheny County newspapers at least 30 days before the hearing.

Attend the Hearing

Brief hearing before a judge. Bring proof of publication and photo ID. If no objections, typically approved same day.

Update Your Records

After court order: update SSA, PennDOT (driver's license), banks, employer, passport, insurance, and all other records.

After the Court Order: What to Update

Once your name change is granted, you'll need to update your identity with multiple agencies and institutions. Start with the most critical ones:

Social Security Administration

Do this FIRST — other agencies require an updated SSA record

PennDOT (Driver's License)

Within 15 days of name change

U.S. Passport

Form DS-5504 or DS-82 depending on passport age

Banks & Financial Accounts

Bring court order + new ID

Employer & HR Department

Update payroll, insurance, benefits

Health Insurance

Contact carrier to update records

Voter Registration

Update at pa.gov or county election office

Credit Cards & Loans

Contact each institution individually

Utility Companies

Update billing name for all services

PA Divorce Process →

Understand divorce procedures — name changes can be included in the divorce decree.

Custody & Visitation →

Name changes for children involve custody considerations and both parents' input.

Need Help With a Legal Name Change?

Get attorney-drafted name change petitions and supporting documents prepared for Allegheny County.

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