Name Change Lawyer in Lancaster, PA

There are many reasons for changing one’s name, and they go beyond marriage and divorce. If you are pursuing a name change, it’s important to know that there are a range of legal intricacies involved. This makes it in your best interest to consult with an experienced Lancaster name change lawyer at Chieppor & Egner early on.

Name Change with Marriage or Divorce in Lancaster

When you marry, you can change your name on your marriage license application, and this will serve as the legal document you need to update the information for each of the following:

• The Social Security Administration
• Driver’s license
• Passport
• Your job
• Financial accounts
• Your bills

In your divorce decree, you can request that your married surname be returned to your maiden name or prior name. If you wait until after your divorce has been finalized, you’ll need to file a Notice to Resume Prior Surname with the court. And if you’re changing your name to something other than your prior surname, you’ll need to file a petition with the court of common pleas.

Common Reasons for Seeking a Name Change

There are a range of reasons for seeking a name change that do not relate to marriage or divorce. Common examples include the following:

• Changing a child’s name following a divorce
• Disliking one’s own name and changing it in response
• Changing the name of an adopted child
• Using a name change to help protect oneself from an abuser or stalker
• Changing one’s own name to coincide with a fresh start or to better align with a sense of self

Turning to a trusted name change attorney will help ensure your name change is successful and the process is smooth.

When a Name Change Is Contested

In some instances, name change petitions are contested. For example, when one parent attempts to change a child’s name after a divorce. If the other parent contests the change, the matter becomes legally complicated.

The Name Change Process Outside of Marriage and Divorce

If you are seeking a name change that does not relate to marriage or divorce, the process generally involves filing a petition with the court that includes each of the following:

• Your intention to change your name
• The reason for your request
• Your current address and the length of your residency at this address
• Any additional addresses you had in the five years prior to the petition date

Applicants generally must post notice regarding name change requests in two separate newspapers. If doing so jeopardizes the applicant’s safety, however, the court can waive this requirement.

An Experienced Lancaster Name Change Attorney Can Help

If you want or need to change your name, the trusted Lancaster name change lawyers at Chieppor & Egner are well-prepared to guide you smoothly through the process while skillfully avoiding common hiccups. We are here to help, so please don’t wait to contact us online or call our firm at 717-393-1400 today.