Hormone therapy and the obligation to divorce

[Mary81]

Hello everyone,

Not too sure if this is the correct sub-forum for this post, so the powers that be can feel free to move it.

Anyway, yesterday I received my GID diagnosis  Today I moved on to the next stage of my transition. I met with the doctor who will be coordinating my transition and we discussed the process. My doctor told me that I can start anti-androgens as soon as my medical tests are done, but that I will need to get divorced before I can start estrogen. I have never heard of such a prerequisite before and cannot find anything in Czech law about it. I know that almost all of you are from different medical systems, but I was wondering if you had ever heard of such an obligation. My wife and I have no desire to divorce at this moment and we are both a little concerned.

Mary

[Sarah Louise]

I have no idea about where you live, but in most places a signed form by your spouse should be sufficient.

[Mary81]

Hi Sarah Louise,
Thanks for the advice. I will look into this for sure.
Thanks again,
Mary

[Tessa James]

Mary I also know nothing about real life in your country but the current medical standards do NOT suggest anything about getting a divorce.  Many of us intend to stay married and work through these challenges as a couple and there are many examples of people who are successfully transitioning in this way.  I hope you can find further support and a second medical opinion. 
Good luck!

[Mary81]

Hello all,
Just and update on this situation. Unfortunately, in the Czech Republic, where I live, we need to get divorced in order to be allowed to get SRS and change our documents. My wife and I were aware of this before yesterday. However, I was surprised to hear from my doctor that we would need to divorce before HRT. Anyway, after reading the Czech law, EU publications and talking to a different doctor, I found out that this is not a legal rule. That is to say, the doctor made up the rule himself for some reason. I am shocked that that is allowed! I will be looking for a different doctor for sure.
Mary