My legal name change court hearing was this morning. I stood in front of a female judge who was to the point and sensitive to my situation. My wife was with me in the courtroom. The judge was hearing all sorts of civil cases so I was surprised at that. She said that she has a very full day so I braced myself for hours of sitting and listening to who is suing who. The first case was continued as the defendant did not have a lawyer. The second case was ruled on in a few minutes. Then I heard my male name. I went and sat in front of the judge as instructed by the bailiff. She said that she had reviewed my filing and verified that the required four newspaper publishings of my order to show cause were present. She asked me to state my name and I said it ( my male name ) for the last time. Then she said, "I am granting this request" and she signed it. I said,"Thank you, your Honor" and left the courtroom which was full of people. I didn't look at any of them.
I am now, legally, Margaret. I already have that name on my DL and an F gender marker.
I go back on Monday to pick up my copies which cost $15 each.
In the van, Cheryl gave me an envelope. Inside was a card of congratulations and a new pair of custom made dangle earrings that she designed.
Then Cheryl took me to have coffee and after that we went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We had lunch there and for the first time we went to the same restroom. We were referred to as "ladies" several times in the gift shop. It was really wonderful.
Tonight, we are celebrating my birthday ( tomorrow) and there is a special gourmet French pastry.
I will begin my 57th year with a new name. How cool is that!
The only sad thing for me is that my daughter left this morning for work and she did not say anything to me about the hearing. Instead, she asked us for good luck because it was the first day that she did not have an assignment and she was concerned that she would be bored. She ignored me again. That hurt.
All in all, a wonderful day.
Maggie
