The Safe Harbor

For Your Legal Needs

Need To A Name Changes

Your name is a huge part of your identity. When you get married or divorced, desire for your name to properly match your gender, are adopted or simply want to create a new identity for yourself, changing your name is a critical part of moving forward in your life.

Here at Hoffmeyer & Semmelman, L.L.C., we understand how important your name change is to you, and we will work to make sure that the process goes forward rapidly and smoothly. Contact us in York, Shrewsbury or Mount Wolf.

How Do I Change My Name?

The process for having your name changed varies depending on the circumstances. If you are not changing your name as part of a marriage or divorce, there are a number of steps you are required to take. Hoffmeyer & Semmelman’s team can help you make certain to complete all of these steps properly. This includes:

  • Getting fingerprinted
  • Publishing a notice in two newspapers
  • Filing a petition and verification
  • Attending a name change hearing
  • Obtain a certificate of no judgments
  • Changing your name with government agencies

Will It Be Easy To Change My Name?

Theoretically, the steps seem straight forward, but a number of roadblocks can occur as you seek to complete your name change.

  1. Getting your fingerprints taken requires you to have a birth certificate. If you do not have one, you will need to get a copy using a birth certificate request letter.
  2. The legal documents can be confusing to fill out. Mistakes will interfere with getting your name changed in a timely fashion.
  3. When you publish the notice, you need to make certain that you choose the right publications and phrase the information properly.
  4. In Pennsylvania, you are required to obtain what is called a certificate of No Judgments. This certificate is proof that you do not have any judgments or liens against you. Courts require you to show that you are not seeking to use a name change to escape financial difficulties. Obtaining this document means you need to identify the appropriate agency to provide this service.
  5. At the name change hearing, you need to make certain to bring all of the appropriate documents. Most of the time, the judge will grant your name change, unless he believes that you are seeking to change your name for an inappropriate reason. Given this, it is critical that you be properly prepared to explain your desire to change your name. You do not want the judge to doubt your reasons or sincerity.
  6. If you have ever lost your wallet, you know that just notifying credit card companies and getting a new driver’s license can be challenging. After you get your name changed, you will have to communicate with numerous agencies in order to have the documents changed appropriately. This includes getting a new license with your new name, obtaining a new Social Security card and more. Making certain you communicate properly with all government agencies is very important. Otherwise, you can have difficulty when you need any of these documents in the future.

We Can Help With Your Name Change

Hoffmeyer & Semmelman has helped many individuals change their names. Call 717-846-8846 or use our contact form so we can help you move quickly and easily through the name change process.