Name Change:
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you represent me in my name change matter?
- Do I need an attorney to represent me to change my name?
- When can I resume my maiden name?
- What is the process for an adult name change in Allegheny County?
- What is the process for the name change of a minor child?
- Why are adult name changes denied?
- Why are name change requests for minor children denied?
- What do I do after the Court grants my request for a name change?
Can you represent me in my name change matter?
Yes. Spivak Law Firm represents individuals through the process of changing their name
or the names of their children. To schedule an appointment, call Spivak Law Firm at
(412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Do I need an attorney to represent me to change my name?
Though you can represent yourself in the effort to change your name or the name of your
child, Spivak Law Firm recommends hiring an attorney to handle the matter. There are
often many steps and formal court appearances required. Navigating the process alone
can be stressful and difficult. You run the risk of the Court denying your petition based
upon a minor procedural error costing hundreds of dollars and hours of your time. Spivak
Law Firm is skilled in name changes for adults and children in Allegheny County. To
schedule an appointment, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800)
545-9390.
When can I resume my maiden name?
Though many women choose to resume their maiden names during the divorce process or
very soon after the divorce is finalized, you can take back your maiden name years after
your divorce. We help with the process of resuming prior names at a reasonable fee. To
schedule a consultation with a name change attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-
4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
What is the process for an adult name change in Allegheny County?
You must first file a Petition for Change of Name and pay the necessary filing fee with
the Allegheny County Department of Court Records. You must also submit to a financial
and criminal background check and fingerprinting. In addition, the Petition must be
presented to the presiding judge who schedules a formal hearing. Before the hearing, you
must provide notice of your intention to change your name in at least two Court-approved
publications. The judge will make a decision on whether to grant or deny your request at
the formal hearing. If the Court grants your request you must obtain certified copies of
the Order and send them to the appropriate agencies. To schedule a consultation with a
name change attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-
9390.
What is the process for the name change of a minor child?
The process of changing a child’s last name is virtually the same as an adult, with a few
exceptions. A parent or legal guardian of the child must file a Petition for Change of
Name and pay the necessary filing fee with the Allegheny County Department of Court
Records. If the child is 13 or older, he or she must also submit to background checks and
fingerprinting. In addition, the petition must be presented to the presiding judge where a
formal hearing date will be scheduled. Before the hearing, a parent or legal guardian must
provide notice of the intention to change the child’s name in at least two Court-approved
publications. The judge will make a decision on whether to grant or deny the request at
the formal hearing. If the Court grants the request, the parent or legal guardian must
obtain certified copies of the Order and send them to the appropriate agencies. To
schedule a consultation with a name change attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-
4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Why are adult name changes denied?
Some of the reasons judges deny adult name change requests include: the request is
detrimental to the interest of another person, the request is against public interest, or the
judge believes you are attempting to defraud creditors. For more information, call Spivak
Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Why are name change requests for minor children denied?
Some of the reasons a judge may deny a name change request for a minor child include: a
parent objects to the request, proper notice is not provided to the other parent, or the
judge does not believe the request is in the best interests of the child. To speak with a
name change attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-
9390.
What do I do after the Court grants my request for a name change?
You must obtain certified copies of the Order of Court granting your request with the
Department of Court Records and provide a copy to the Social Security Administration,
Department of Motor Vehicles, and Department of Vital Statistics. In the case of a name
change for a minor child, you must also provide a certified copy of the Order to the
Social Security Administration, the child’s school, and the child’s medical providers. To
obtain a new copy of the child’s birth certificate, provide a copy of the Order to the
Department of Vital Statistics. To schedule a consultation with a name change attorney,
call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Contact Our Pittsburgh Law Firm Today
Call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390. Our Pittsburgh office is open during normal business hours, as well as evenings and weekends by appointment.
Spivak Law Firm represents clients in Pittsburgh and all surrounding counties, including: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Washington County and Westmoreland County. We accept cases in Armstrong County, Clarion County, Crawford County, Fayette County, Greene County, Indiana County, Lawrence County, Mercer County, Somerset County and Venango County.