Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

widow returning to married name

I want to take my maiden name back now after the death of my husband. SS, the courthouse, and the quoted fee of $600 seems outrageous. Can i file on my own using one of htese on line kits? will it have all that I need? I realize filing fees and posting in the newspaper will be expenses, but isn't there a way for a widow to take back her OWN name after her husband dies? Only a divorced person can do so for a simple fee? This is outrageous.


Asked on 6/26/08, 6:03 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Patrick Narcisi Narcisi Law Offices, P.C.

Re: widow returning to married name

I might be missing somthing; but the law clearly says, in addition to a divorcing spouse, that a widow or widower can retake any last name which she or he used previously by filing an election and proof of death. Look at 54 PaCSA 704.1

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Answered on 6/26/08, 6:21 pm


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