legally changing name.

[s1ncere]

I finally have time (since my school semester is over) to start on my name changing process.
On one file paper, it ask the reason for name change....What should I put? I'm a little hesitant of putting "transitioning" as a reason....

Also...is there anyone in cali who changed names and was approved for a court fee waiver?

[Arch]

I didn't change my name through the courts (I might have to someday), but some of my friends have. One simply wrote on the forms that his new name suited him better than his birth name.

One of my buddies got a fee waiver. I was surprised to see how low the income ceiling is for that. I mean, $350 plus advertising is a hefty chunk of change for many people, and you would think that the courts would be more sensitive to that. I guess a name change is considered a luxury rather than a necessity, but I think the income levels are the same for any waiver.

[Renate]

Changing your name is a basic right, with the 14th Amendment often interpreted as protecting it.
Technically, you just have to start consistently using a name in the US.
Unfortunately, unless you have the funds to battle this to the Supreme Court, it's not really possible.

"Common usage" as a reason on a name change petition means, "Everybody already uses this name for me."
Ok, this might not be absolutely true.
Just get a few friends to call you this name a week before if you require a clean conscience.

[Carson]

My lawyer who is very involved in the trans community because he is trans himself says to put "the chosen name better reflects my personality and appearance" Sounds good to me, that's what I put on mine.

[tekla]

Actually that's all a technicality deal, that what you are really doing is stating and swearing (because the form itself is a legal paper, so when you sign it and then going into court to attest to its truth...) to some notion that you are not changing your name to get out of debts, criminal actions or that you're not engaging in a fraud or deception.

California routinely grants all name changes unless your are trying to change it to a number (which is somehow not acceptable).  Waivers depend both upon conditions and the jurisdictions, which is to say they are lot easier to get in some places than others.

[s1ncere]

Thanks everyone.

[sneakersjay]

I put personal reasons.  It was just me and the judge.  And he knew the real reason anyhow.  Kinda obvious to go from a very F name to a very M name.

Don't sweat it.


Jay

[Radar]

I've heard of many people using "common usage" as the reason- even people who were denied their name change before using "transition".

[notyouraverageguy]

Hey man thanks for asking this, I am informed for future references.

I can't wait to change my name.

[DamagedChris]

What is this "waver" for low income? Do other states (like, say, my own Michigan) have these as well?

[Renate]

A Financial Waiver Affidavit is a request to have a legal fee waived due to lack of money.

The idea behind it is that legal rights should not be denied you because of your financial situation.

It is actually more than a waiver because the county may pick up the cost of legal ad insertion in the newspaper.

Every state should have some kind of waiver.

[mickie88]

A Financial Waiver Affidavit is a request to have a legal fee waived due to lack of money.

The idea behind it is that legal rights should not be denied you because of your financial situation.

It is actually more than a waiver because the county may pick up the cost of legal ad insertion in the newspaper.

Every state should have some kind of waiver.

everybody i've talked to here in Ohio says there is no such thing---and i've talked to Shane at TransOhio!!!----grrrr---cuz this would severely help me out right now!!!

[tekla]

It's a state by state deal, with some like California being pretty liberal about giving them out, and other states I would think don't have that provision at all.  There is no requirement - no Constitutional one at any rate - that would force states to do so.

[Arch]

everybody i've talked to here in Ohio says there is no such thing---and i've talked to Shane at TransOhio!!!----grrrr---cuz this would severely help me out right now!!!

Mekayla, how much does Ohio charge?

[tekla]

Current cost: $108.00 (cash only)
+ publication costs

At least in Franklin County, it could vary according to jurisdiction.

[mickie88]

it does vary by county/city. it's said franklin county is cheaper than where i live. i figured franklin would be bigger and cost more. i know there aren't many people around here running in and changing their names for this process on a daily basis. the clerk of courts told me it was 10 bux to buy the forms, a lawyer gave me a website where i could print them for all counties, and Shane from TO told me that there shouldn't be a charge until i go to file them, she told me that was 75, then it was like 135 for court costs, etc. etc.