Child Name Change Laws

Summary

A name change in Pennsylvania does not equate to adoption or void a custody order. False statements to waive notification can be contested in court. The court requires substantial evidence to waive notification due to safety risks. If no evidence is provided, the waiver can be challenged.

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In Pennsylvania, if a mother gets remarried and petitions the court to change the last name of her two children so that they carry their stepdads last name, does that equal adoption? There is a standing custody order with the mother and bio father of the children and ever since the mom got remarried she’s actively been trying to alienate her kids from their father and telling them things like “I’m sorry your father doesn’t want you”, so with the name change, does that void the custody order they have and the fathers rights? I should mention that the mother lied to the judge in order to get notice of the name change waived.
Hello ****,
In Pennsylvania:
- A name change doesn't equate to adoption or void a custody order.
- The biological father's rights are still applicable.
- If the mother lied in court, it could lead to legal consequences.
It's advised to consult a family lawyer for advice specific to your case.
I’m sure she lied because what does it require to get a notice of name change waived by a judge?
In Pennsylvania, a judge may waive the notification requirement in a name change case under certain circumstances, such as if there's clear evidence of a threat to the person's safety. It's considered serious if false information was provided to achieve this.
There is no clear evidence and the father still sends birthday and Christmas cards in an attempt to see his kids
Hello ****,
If the father believes the mother provided false information to the court, he can challenge the name change or bring this matter to the court's attention. Legal advice from a family attorney would be beneficial in this situation.
But he’s not going to know about it because notice was waived
Hello ****,
If the father has not been notified due to a waiver, he may not know about the name change until later. However, once aware, he can still challenge it or bring up the mother's potential false statements. Legal counsel would be invaluable in this case.
What would the mom have to say to get it waived?
Hello ****,
In Pennsylvania, to get a name change notification waiver, the mother might have to convince the court that notifying the father would pose a serious risk to her or the children's safety. Providing false information for this could result in legal repercussions.
That’s what the pleadings say is exactly that but she provided no evidence in the pleadings to explain what exactly would pose a risk to the kids safety
Hello ****, in Pennsylvania, it is critical to provide substantial evidence when claiming risk to safety. If the mother did not provide such evidence, this could potentially be contested in court. A family lawyer can provide guidance on the next steps.
If she did provide evidence, wouldn’t it be mentioned in the pleadings?
Hello ****, usually, any substantial evidence supporting a claim should be mentioned in the pleadings. If it's not, it may be presented later in court. However, this varies depending on the case and court rules. Consulting a family attorney for specifics would be advisable.
Jurisdiction is Lancaster county Pa
Hello ****, for legal issues specific to Lancaster County, PA, it would be best to consult a local family attorney. They would have the most accurate knowledge about local court rules and procedures. Would you like assistance in finding a local family attorney?
I’m not calling a lawyer so please stop saying that. I’m asking you. Give it to me straight. What are the laws on this and in what way can this be proven that the mom and her lawyer are in fact breaking the law
In Pennsylvania:
- Making false statements to the court may be considered perjury, a criminal offense.
- If there's evidence that the mother and her lawyer knowingly provided false information, they could potentially face legal consequences.
- Gathering evidence (like correspondence, witnesses) is crucial for proving false statements in court.
What does the courts in Pa consider “pose a serious risk to their safety”
In Pennsylvania:
- "Serious risk to safety" typically involves threats of violence or harm, stalking, or abuse.
- It can be physical, emotional, or psychological in nature.
- Evidence may include police reports, restraining orders, or documented history of abuse.
- Each case is evaluated individually by the court.
There is no evidence of anything like that.
Hello ****, in Pennsylvania, if there's no evidence to support the claim of 'serious risk to safety', it may be challenged in court. Presenting this lack of evidence could help in proving false statements were made. However, the court's interpretation may vary based on the specifics of the case.
She’s the abusive one alienating her kids from their father and I know of this but want to stay anonymous
Hello ****, in Pennsylvania, if you believe the mother is engaging in parental alienation, this could be brought to the court's attention. However, substantial evidence is needed. An anonymous tip may not be sufficient. It's ultimately the court's decision based on the evidence presented.
Can the judge grant the name change without any evidence?
In Pennsylvania, a judge can grant a name change without evidence of safety risk only if the other parent was properly notified and did not object. However, if the waiver was granted based on false claims, this can be contested. Each case is evaluated individually.
The other parent like I said was not notified bc the judge waived notice already! The final hearing is on September
Hello ****, in Pennsylvania, if the other parent was not notified and the hearing is scheduled, it would be best to notify the father so he can attend the hearing or hire a lawyer. If the father is unaware, he can't contest the name change or the potentially false claims.
Okay I’m going to mail him the documents anonymously
Hello ****, mailing the documents anonymously could indeed inform the father about the situation. However, remember it's ultimately the court's decision based on the evidence. If the father decides to challenge the name change, he should consult with a family law attorney.