Name Change under way in SA

[LizK]

I am just in the process of getting all my documentation sorted. I am fed up with being dead-named and misgendered at the Dr's and other medical specialists. I would see on average about 1-2 Dr's per week due to a couple of other health issues. The thing that is so infuriating is despite having "preferred names" no one seems to want to use it unless I am dressed really fem.

So I am going to get my Medicare card and Govt ID changed. I can't believe it is so convoluted. I actually have to attend some kind of silly interview.

I followed through to get my passport changed and because it is New Zealand passport I just have to send a stat dec asking for the name and gender marker to be changed...that's it...nothing else. Unlike the convoluted system here in SA New Zealand was a breeze.

So any words of advice...traps for the un-knowing?

Liz 

[Devlyn]

I don't know anything about how your system works, but there was a huge feeling of satisfaction for me when my paperwork showed up from the court. Worth every penny of the $340 it cost.   

Good luck!

Hugs, Devlyn

[kelly_aus]

All I had to do in SA to change my name was fill in the form and pay the fee.. I then waited 28 days.

[LizK]

All I had to do in SA to change my name was fill in the form and pay the fee.. I then waited 28 days.

Hi Kelly

Yeah looks about the same need to get an extra letter if I want my gender marker changed with certain departments...looks simple, although having to have an interview is a pain.

Liz

[LizK]

I don't know anything about how your system works, but there was a huge feeling of satisfaction for me when my paperwork showed up from the court. Worth every penny of the $340 it cost.   

Good luck!

Hugs, Devlyn

It's about $250 from what I can see...and worth every penny..... But as always could do without the hassle.

Liz

[kelly_aus]

Hi Kelly

Yeah looks about the same need to get an extra letter if I want my gender marker changed with certain departments...looks simple, although having to have an interview is a pain.

Liz

I'm not bothering to change gender marker under the current system.. Both SA and Vic (my birth state) have legislation on the cards to streamline the process.. I'm also kinda waiting on marriage equality.

As far as gender marker goes, Medicare, Centrelink and the ATO changed it for me without any documentation.. Passport has an F on it now..

Cautionary tale: Be warned, if you change gender marker, the ATO may audit your Tax Return the first year. It's due to a data mismatch from previous years..

[Sophia Sage]

So any words of advice...traps for the un-knowing?

Be prepared to ask your medical providers to individually change their charts to cross out the dead name.  Both in their computers and hardcopy.  Watch them to make sure they actually do it.