Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

anonymous name change

i want to legally change my first and last name. i am married, but estranged from my husband. he has served time in jail for assault and there are domestic violence issues in our marriage. i am 6 months pregnant. i plan on divorcing him in the future, but for now i want to change my last name, not only to my maiden name, but to my mothers maiden name. and also completely change my first name. all mainly for reasons of safety. i am moving into a n apartment complex in 2 months and would like to have a completely different name on the mailbox. there is a question of paternity and no matter who the father turns out to be, my husband has expressed an intense hatred toward me and especially the baby (neither one of us has any children.)i believe that any legal issue, such as a legal seperation, or divorce could provoke him to violence. by changing my name beforehand, i feel that i would be safer in my residence and job, than i would be, if i were still using my married name. money is tight, but i am willing to pay any fees i need to at the moment for the safety of my child. what is your advice?


Asked on 6/18/05, 10:36 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mark Johns Mark Johns, Esquire

Re: anonymous name change

As long as the purpose of changing your name is not to avoid debts, or to hide a criminal record the courts should be disposed to grant a name change petition. Most family court matters including divorce can be filed with a confidential address for the party. I offer free consultations.

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Answered on 6/18/05, 11:07 am


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