Name Change
Legal Information
This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Name Change issues in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
How to Change Your Name
This guide from the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project is intended to provide information that will allow those wishing to change their names to do so without the need for an attorney. [PDF]
How to File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
This video from Laurel Legal Services provides an explanation of what In Forma Pauperis is (a request to file legal papers without having to pay the filing fee because you cannot afford to pay the fees) and line-by-line instructions on completing a petition to request permission to proceed without paying filing fees.
Lehigh County: Name Change - Self Help Center of the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas
The Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas provides this informational section for reference and research purposes. This section explains the basic forms and steps needed to legally change your name and/or the name(s) of your minor child(ren). A person must petition the court for a name change, and the court can then decide whether or not to grant it.
Modifying a Birth Record
Information and forms from the Pennsylvania Department of Health to modify a birth record. These forms cannot be used to modify an individual's birth record due to an adoption. Upon update to the record, an updated birth certificate will be issued, if requested.
How to File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
This video from Laurel Legal Services provides an explanation of what In Forma Pauperis is (a request to file legal papers without having to pay the filing fee because you cannot afford to pay the fees) and line-by-line instructions on completing a petition to request permission to proceed without paying filing fees.
Local Forms and Self-Help Information
For local forms and information for your county, click the title to see the SELF-HELP FORMS AND INFORMATION sub-topic. Counties are listed alphabetically after some generally applicable forms or you can set your location on the page to see only forms applicable for that location.
Modifying a Birth Record
Information and forms from the Pennsylvania Department of Health to modify a birth record. These forms cannot be used to modify an individual's birth record due to an adoption. Upon update to the record, an updated birth certificate will be issued, if requested.
How to Change Your Name
This guide from the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project is intended to provide information that will allow those wishing to change their names to do so without the need for an attorney. [PDF]
Name Change in PA for Adults
Information from Northwestern Legal Services providing an overview of the procedure in changing an adult's name in Pennsylvania.
Name Change in PA for Minor Children
Information from Northwestern Legal Services providing an overview of the procedure in changing a minor child's name in Pennsylvania.
How to File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
This video from Laurel Legal Services provides an explanation of what In Forma Pauperis is (a request to file legal papers without having to pay the filing fee because you cannot afford to pay the fees) and line-by-line instructions on completing a petition to request permission to proceed without paying filing fees.
Change of Name
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the legal issues related to changing your name
How do I change or correct my name on my Social Security Card?
Social Security answers your questions about changing your name on your Social Security card.
Modifying a Birth Record
Information and forms from the Pennsylvania Department of Health to modify a birth record. These forms cannot be used to modify an individual's birth record due to an adoption. Upon update to the record, an updated birth certificate will be issued, if requested.
PA Courts Public Access Policy - Filing Requirements in the Courts (Video)
Effective on January 6, 2018, a new Public Access Policy is in effect in Pennsylvania Courts. This policy imposes requirements on anyone filing court documents in the trial and appellate courts to safeguard information in the documents they file. The Pennsylvania Courts have released this series of videos that explain the judiciary’s new policy for protecting confidential information and the required steps you must take to protect that information when filing documents in the courts.
Local Forms and Self-Help Information
For local forms and information for your county, click the title to see the SELF-HELP FORMS AND INFORMATION sub-topic. Counties are listed alphabetically after some generally applicable forms or you can set your location on the page to see only forms applicable for that location.
Lehigh County: Name Change - Self Help Center of the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas
The Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas provides this informational section for reference and research purposes. This section explains the basic forms and steps needed to legally change your name and/or the name(s) of your minor child(ren). A person must petition the court for a name change, and the court can then decide whether or not to grant it.