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| | In Re Miller: Reaffirming Pennsylvania's Liberal Policy Regarding Name Change Petitions
The Pennsylvania courts have repeatedly held that the Pennsylvania name change statute embodies Pennsylvania's liberal policy regarding change of name requests. The court's principal concern in evaluating name change requests by adults is ensuring that individuals are not attempting to alter or conceal their identity to avoid financial obligations.
Pennsylvania's liberal approach to name change petitions was reaffirmed in the case In Re Miller, in which the applicant wished to adopt a feminine name in advance of sex-reassignment surgery. The appellate Court squarely ruled in favor of the petitioner, holding that the details surrounding the petitioner's gender identity or surgery were of no concern to the government. At bottom, In Re Miller reaffirms each person's right to choose his her unique name, without regard to whether purported societal norms might be offended. So long as no fraud is intended, Pennsylvania name change law will permit the request.
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