In re Mendelson

OPINION OF THE COURT

Margaret Cammer, J.

Petitioner, 34 years old, seeks to change his name pursuant to Civil Rights Law § 63 from Richard Allen Mendelson to Richard Allen. The change, he says, is to enable him to sever all ties with his father who, he claims, was an alcoholic who physically abused him. He avers that he "does not wish to carry his [father’s] name or pass it down to [his] offspring”.

While petitioner states that there are no judgments, liens of record or pending actions to which he is a party, or any adjudication of bankruptcy or claims or creditors who will be adversely affected…