Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

Re: name change

You asked about changing the name of a foster child.

Foster children are in a special class and are generally considered to be wards of the state. As such the state would need to approve of the legal change of an entire name.

But, there is nothing preventing the child from choosing and using a first name of his own choice, without any legal process. This is a matter of choice and can be enforced amongst schoolteachers and administrators.

The older and more mature the child is the more likely the state is to go along with the name change. Start with the child's social worker and see where s/he directs you.

Regards,

Roger