Name Change For a Child

Parents often wish to change their children’s names when they transition as a minor.  If you are seeking a name change for a child in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, please consider the following:

Pennsylvania law requires that a parent or guardian who is seeking to legally change the name of a child must prove that the change is in the best interest of the child. The following items are usually considered by the Court in determining whether to grant a petition to change a child’s name:

• The natural bond between parent and child.
• The social impact or respect afforded a particular name in the community.
• The age and ability of the child to understand the significance of changing their name.

If both parents are not in favor of the name change, a petition for a change of name for a child should not be attempted without the advice of an attorney. An attorney will help you to find out if the Court will grant a name change under the particular circumstances of your case.

Financial Assistance For Legal Name Changes

Eastern PA Trans Equity Project offers financial assistance to parents of transgender kids who are seeking a name change for a child. Financial grants may cover the full amount or a partial amount of the cost of the legal name change.

If you need the name of an attorney who can provide assistance in completing a legal name change for minor children EPTEP may be able to assist. Please contact us for more information.

Supportive Services For Transgender Pennsylvanians

The Eastern PA Trans Equity Project (EPTEP) serves transgender and gender diverse people throughout eastern Pennsylvania including the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas. This includes the Cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and more.

In addition to Emergency Food Assistance, we offer Legal Name Change Assistance, Scholarship Programs, and Educational Programs to people in Lehigh, Northampton, Monroe, Montgomery, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wayne, Pike, Carbon, Columbia, Schuylkill, Bradford, Wyoming, Montour, Northumberland, Lebanon, Sullivan, Tioga, Susquehanna, Lycoming, Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Juniata, Perry, Snyder, Union, and York County and other areas of Pennsylvania.

If you would like more information about our services or to have an EPTEP member speak at one of your events, please contact us today!

We Are building A Strong Transgender Community in the Lehigh Valley

If you would like to meet and enjoy the company of other transgender people and our allies be sure to check out our Peer-led Support Groups.

Lehigh Valley Transgender Renaissance offers a monthly meet-up for gender diverse people. Offering companionship, informative speakers, social time, and snacks it is a great way to gain companionship and learn from others.