8. Appointing a different Kohen:[1]

Once a Kohen has been asked by the father to perform the redemption, it is forbidden for the father to go back on his word and ask another Kohen to do the redemption [and if he does so then he is considered wicked[2]].[3] However, if he did retract it then its valid.[4]

The second Kohen is more righteous or a greater friend:[5] In the event that one found a more righteous Kohen, or a Kohen who is a greater friend, then one may even initially retract from his original appointment and appoint the more righteous Kohen or a Kohen who is a greater friend, if one would have definitely appointed him initially if he was around at the time of the appointment of the original Kohen. [This however may only be done at least one or two days before the Pidyon Haben and not in close proximity to the circumcision as doing so will shame and embarrass the original Kohen.[6]]

May the second Kohen do so if asked:[7] If the father transgresses and retracts from the appointment and asks another Kohen to do so, then it is permitted for the second Kohen to do so.

[1] Rama Y.D. 305:4; 264:1 [regarding Mila]; See Pesakim Uteshuvos 264:7-8; Pidyon Haben Kehilchaso 5:24-25

If the original Kohen could not make it and then showed up: See Rama ibid; Pesakim Uteshuvos 264:8 Pidyon Haben Kehilchaso 5:24 footnote 52

[2] Shach 264:6; Taz 264:5

[3] The reason: Once a person has been appointed, it is forbidden for one to retract disappointment being that doing so is considered lying. [Taz 264:5; Shach 264:7; Beis Yosef]

^[4] Rama 4

[5] Taz 264:5

[6] See Chasam Sofer Y.D. 246

[7] Rama ibid