QuoteI feel very unprepared for court though. What will it be like?
I am only familiar with RI, MA, and CT probate courts.
I am a paralegal in a RI firm with MA and CT lawyers as well as RI barred attorneysGenerally though, you'll go in, sit down. (If OH is like RI and probate is in a town hall, you'll check in with the town clerk before going inside). You'll wait awhile, then the sheriff (or town clerk) will come out and say something like "turn off your cell phones, be quite. . . .". THen, the judge comes in, you all need to stand up until the judge tells you to sit. Usually the judge will then give a brief summary of the order he/she wishes to proceed in, which you need to pay attention to. In small probate courts, they'll usually try to get quick/simple matters (like name changes) out of the way and save the bigger stuff for last, that way they're not making everyone sit around all day.
Sometimes while doing the brief summary of events, the judge (this is only in big courts that they'd do this) will have a pile of all his/her files and call everyone by name, which you'll need to stand up and say "Here" and then sit back down. Make sure you do this, or else you'll be marked absent. If you miss it, try to waive the sheriff over later and tell him/her that you're there.
When they get to you, they'll call your name, you'll stand up and walk over to wherever the sheriff or town clerk tells you to stand. Usually there's a table or little podium. The judge will ask you some questions, mostly to determine that the reason you're getting a name change is not because you're a criminal or running away from creditors, and to make sure all your info matches what's on your petition. Just say you're trans and you're changing it to your preferred name. You should've already submitted a BCI, and possibly a credit check if that's what OH wants too.
If should be quick and simple. You might feel nervous about the whole trans thing, but don't worry. No one there in court really cares, everyone who's waiting has their own problems in court to deal with.
QuoteWhat documents should I take into my hearing with me?
Since I am unfamiliar with OH, you may want to check with a clerk at the court before you go in to see what you need. Clerks are really nice (haha sometimes) and helpful, so just call the day or so before, say you're getting a name change with judge so-and-so and ask what you need. You probably should bring in a copy of your petition for name change, maybe a print up version of your credit check that you can get on-line. It wouldn't hurt to bring in your SS card and birth certificate, drivers license/other legal ID.
I am not sure how much originals you'd need.
QuoteWhat all other places do I need to inform of the changes? Does anyone have a handy list of places to change your info after the legal changes?
Once its granted, you'll need to notify the state to change your legal docs, SS, creditors, employer, schools, etc. The other guys here will help you figure that out.
