Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

Re: widow wants to take back maiden name

I don't know who told you that but that applies to persons who have been divorced. That would be some thing that you could do yourself.

HOWEVER, it does NOT apply to your case your a widow not a divorcee. So you would have to go through a standard name change.

Some costs you will incur:

Filing Fee

Advertising in a Newspaper of General Circulation

Advertising in the Legal Newspaper

Finger Print cards from the local police

Criminal Background Check

Name search at the prothonotary

If the cost seems a bit high there's a fair amount for the lawyer to do. Based on all of the above depending on your county those costs could easily run $300. So the $600 fee doesn't sound outrageous at least in terms of what I charge.

I have seen people do this on their own so it is possible. Check your county law library or local bar association.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me the initial consultation is free.

{John}