A New Name

[Jillary Woolen Xσx]

Hello My Lovelies 

In 10 Days I Have a court date to Finally Change My Name!
I'm ecstatic and intensely nervous, as I Live in Detroit Michigan and will soon
Be announcing to a courtroom why I will be changing my clearly Masculine first name,
to an unmistakably feminine name.
I was wondering if anyone could fill me in a little bit about the process.
after the court date what should i do to ensure that everyone that needs to get my new name information
gets it?
What groups are the most important to give the info?

I'm terrified that i'm gonna do something wrong and I'll have to start the process all over again
and I've come too far to have to do that.....

Jocelyn XOX

[V M]

Congrats Jocelyn 

Let us know how it goes 

[Jillary Woolen Xσx]

THANK YOU VIRGINA MARIE!
I cannot ever express how excited i am

[Colleen Ireland]

Very cool!  I "think" I now have the name I would want, at least I like it better than the previous two.  But I have no idea whether I would change my last name also.  My wife does want to stay married, at least she says so now, so maybe that means I would keep my last name also.  Not sure how my parents would feel about that - this process would be a LOT easier if they were no longer with us (not that I wish THAT!)...

[Jillary Woolen Xσx]

Very cool!  I "think" I now have the name I would want, at least I like it better than the previous two.  But I have no idea whether I would change my last name also.  My wife does want to stay married, at least she says so now, so maybe that means I would keep my last name also.  Not sure how my parents would feel about that - this process would be a LOT easier if they were no longer with us (not that I wish THAT!)...

Good for you
it took my a couple cycles of finalizing a name that i loved, when one of my old high school teachers who i continue to be very close with said "hey how bout Jocelyn?"
It Stuck instantly
I've decided very quickly to keep my last name.
i was told it was "In my best interest" to change my last name, but i could not think of 2 reasons that would be.
I'm far to proud of my last name and who I am to have to feel i have to hide anything

[cynthialee]

My family was so awesomely suportive that to have changed my last name would have been an insult to my family. I did add to it so I have a hyphenated last name just like many other married women, but the last name stayed the same.

[Jillary Woolen Xσx]

My family was so awesomely suportive that to have changed my last name would have been an insult to my family. I did add to it so I have a hyphenated last name just like many other married women, but the last name stayed the same.

Thats Very beautiful
good For You!
I feel the same way.
Besides, if i were to distinctly separate myself from my family and change my last name,
I think i'd feel so much more alone

[Shang]

Congrats!

I've got my name all picked out for when I get to change it, if I ever do.

I hope everything goes good for you!

[April Dawne]

When I changed my name legally it wasn't done in a full court room. I was called into a small room with the judge who spoke to me privately. It's basically a formality by the court to verify that it's really YOU requesting the name change. The judge just asked me "are you the person requesting this change", my answer of course was "yes" and he handed me an envelope with the signed and stamped legal name change document, and that was it.

It might be different elsewhere, but it was just that simple here where I live.

After that, it's a slightly more complicated process since your ID needs to be redone to reflect the change, then all debtors need to be notified as well. Usually it's a rather simple over-the-phone process but it can be tedious depending on how many companies you do business with that would need the new information.

~April

[Jillary Woolen Xσx]

Thank You Shang!!!
it Means a lot.

and Good Luck to You!
I would love to hear updates if you so decide to
Post Merge: July 18, 2010, 04:32:26 PM

When I changed my name legally it wasn't done in a full court room. I was called into a small room with the judge who spoke to me privately. It's basically a formality by the court to verify that it's really YOU requesting the name change. The judge just asked me "are you the person requesting this change", my answer of course was "yes" and he handed me an envelope with the signed and stamped legal name change document, and that was it.

It might be different elsewhere, but it was just that simple here where I live.

After that, it's a slightly more complicated process since your ID needs to be redone to reflect the change, then all debtors need to be notified as well. Usually it's a rather simple over-the-phone process but it can be tedious depending on how many companies you do business with that would need the new information.

~April

Thats too cool April!! i've heard of it being simple like that, and i reaaaaally hope that mine is as private as that.
if it isn't so be it. I would change my name in front of a stadium.... i just would prefer a one on one with a judge 

How long did it take for you to get through all the important tedious company and business nonsense if you don't mind me asking?

[Diane Elizabeth]

          As for what to expect- that will depend on the state requirements.  Some states have you in front of a judge.  Some will require a posting in the newspaper announcing the change.   I would check with the laws of your state.  Maybe an attorney is required. 

[KirstenR]

Hello My Lovelies 

In 10 Days I Have a court date to Finally Change My Name!
I'm ecstatic and intensely nervous, as I Live in Detroit Michigan and will soon
Be announcing to a courtroom why I will be changing my clearly Masculine first name,
to an unmistakably feminine name.
I was wondering if anyone could fill me in a little bit about the process.
after the court date what should i do to ensure that everyone that needs to get my new name information
gets it?
What groups are the most important to give the info?

I'm terrified that i'm gonna do something wrong and I'll have to start the process all over again
and I've come too far to have to do that.....

Jocelyn XOX

Congratulations!!! Very exciting!

[April Dawne]

Well for me it didn't take long, mostly just calling cell phone company, loan providers, work of course, etc. Some places will send you a paper to sign to confirm the name change, others make the change without any problem.

Like I said, it was mostly just a series of tedious phone calls. It depends on how many companies you do business with (credit cards, banks, loans, schools, etc.) that will need to be notified of the change.

VERY IMPORTANT! The legal document showing the change (at least in my experience) is the ONLY ONE MADE!

There is no backup copy; so make copies of it yourself, and do NOT hand that original over under any circumstances! It has the stamp of the official seal and as far as I know, they will not issue another one! So make photocopies to send with name change documents to anyone who requires it! Some may try to ask to see the original, but do not let them have it, if it's lost it can't be replaced.

At least that was my experience. It may vary from state to state. I didn't need a lawyer or an ad in the paper. I called Social Security, they sent the name change documents, I submitted them, got a court date, appeared before the judge, and it was done apart from phone calls and paperwork as I said above. Not difficult, just tedious.

~April

[madisonp]

Congratulations Jocelyn!
I'm really happy for you! May the goddess of happiness shine down on you
(PS. I really do believe in a Goddess of happiness, I'm not being funny

[Jillary Woolen Xσx]

Well for me it didn't take long, mostly just calling cell phone company, loan providers, work of course, etc. Some places will send you a paper to sign to confirm the name change, others make the change without any problem.

Like I said, it was mostly just a series of tedious phone calls. It depends on how many companies you do business with (credit cards, banks, loans, schools, etc.) that will need to be notified of the change.

VERY IMPORTANT! The legal document showing the change (at least in my experience) is the ONLY ONE MADE!

There is no backup copy; so make copies of it yourself, and do NOT hand that original over under any circumstances! It has the stamp of the official seal and as far as I know, they will not issue another one! So make photocopies to send with name change documents to anyone who requires it! Some may try to ask to see the original, but do not let them have it, if it's lost it can't be replaced.

At least that was my experience. It may vary from state to state. I didn't need a lawyer or an ad in the paper. I called Social Security, they sent the name change documents, I submitted them, got a court date, appeared before the judge, and it was done apart from phone calls and paperwork as I said above. Not difficult, just tedious.

~April

Right On
Thank you! Ill remember to make copies.
I'm terrible with holding onto documents. Especially Important Ones
Post Merge: July 19, 2010, 04:20:04 PM

I *just* had my legal name change last week.

I never saw the inside of the court room and never saw the judge.
I live in a small red neck part of the world.

I hired a lawyer to help me because I had two DUI convictions way back a long time ago (I've been clean for 13 years now) and I was afraid those would hinder me.  In Texas you have to submit to an FBI, DPS and Homeland Stupidity back ground check.  My checks took TWO MONTHS...

The lawyer told me to meet her at the courthouse at 9am.

I sat on a bench outside the courtroom and waited for her.  As she walked up the hall to me she held up a finger as to tell me "Wait just a minute." and disappeared into a side door next to the court room.

So I sat on that bench and waited.  And waited.  An hour later she came out, walked up to me and said "That's it.  All done."  I was like "WHAT?? ?? ?? ??  That's it?? ?  That's all?? ?  Don't I have to go in the court room and see the judge?? ?? ?"

She told me no, that she had talked to the judge and he told her that they would drag out ALL the torrid details of my entire life, every little infraction ever and embarrass the hell out of me in front of everyone, a bunch of strangers etc. and that stuff would go into the court room minutes.

So she arranged to hold a private hearing with the judge in his chambers and she totally did it without me ever seeing the judge at all or going into the court room!

I was shocked at the whole thing but pleased that it was over with and that they didn't shame me in public.

So what she gave me was a xerox of the original, she didn't give me the original copy.
I didn't open the envelope till I got home and saw it was only a copy.

So I called her office and requested five certified copies.  They cost $5 each so it's $25.
I can get as many certified copies as I like.  I need to have a few spares put away just in case and my folks want one so they can rewrite their wills with my female name.

I contacted ebay to change my name and all I get is automated BS back from them.  I need to call and talk to a Carbon Based Unit.

In the morning I need to go to my credit union and have my bank stuff changed and have a new Visa card issued in my female name as well.

Later in the week I have to go to the DPS and get a new DL.  My old DL was expired so long ago that I have to apply as a first time driver.  I'm taking the court order with me and of course my new DL will have my female name and female photo.

Other things, I'll deal with as the need arises.  Dentist, medical, etc..  I'm needing to get to the doctor soon anyway to get my scripts renewed for my hormones but now they will change my info in their system to my female name and write my hormone scripts in my female name!  Yay!

No more embarrassing boy name!

What does suck though is that I have to go around and out myself to everyone in the process. 
Like my credit union.  I opened that account 10 years ago as a guy.  For the last few years I go make deposits and they always tell me "Ma'am, we can't give you the deposit receipt because he doesn't have you on his account, we'll just send the receipt to him in the mail." and I always smile real big and thank them.  They think I'm his girlfriend. 

Now "he" is dead and gone.  A few minutes of embarrassment and from that point on I am hoping that people will forget "him" so I can get on with being ME.

Best of luck sis! 

haha!! That's Too Good!
I have a love/hate relationship with those moments of awkwardness
regarding Name crap
That's pretty cool that is was so easy!
but 2 MONTHS for a backround check? Holy Hell. That woulda killed me
it only took them 5 minutes here in michigan lol

THANK YOU SIS! and congratulations to you!
Post Merge: July 19, 2010, 05:21:49 PM
and thank you too Dylan, Kristen, and Madison!

[Karla]

Hey Jocelyn, I'm having a court appointment in 7 days too 
Here in NY it's pretty instant too, no lengthy background checks, and there's no big court room full of people.
You can request as many copies as you like for $5 each, next step for me is SS and State ID
Congrats and good luck sweetie

[lilacwoman]

we're lucky in England to be able to change our name legally as often as we want.  I could this minute change it by simply writing to the doctor, tax and social security, banks, utility companies and they would have to start sending me bills and such in my new name.

[Renate]

Open court? Ha! Try a large courtroom with 100 people in it, 12 of them wearing orange pyjamas and chains!

On the plus side, all the info is on your petition and they basically ask, "Is this all true?", without reading any of it off.

Besides, the reason that you are changing your name could be "Common usage".

[Jillary Woolen Xσx]

Hey Jocelyn, I'm having a court appointment in 7 days too 
Here in NY it's pretty instant too, no lengthy background checks, and there's no big court room full of people.
You can request as many copies as you like for $5 each, next step for me is SS and State ID
Congrats and good luck sweetie

Haha really?? right on!!
Good Luck to you!! Hopefully mine will be something similar to that!
Post Merge: July 20, 2010, 09:16:59 AM

we're lucky in England to be able to change our name legally as often as we want.  I could this minute change it by simply writing to the doctor, tax and social security, banks, utility companies and they would have to start sending me bills and such in my new name.

Waaaaaaaay Lucky!
That is too cool, i wish it wasn't such a big deal in Michigan!
I woul love it to be as simple as that
Post Merge: July 20, 2010, 10:20:21 AM

Open court? Ha! Try a large courtroom with 100 people in it, 12 of them wearing orange pyjamas and chains!

On the plus side, all the info is on your petition and they basically ask, "Is this all true?", without reading any of it off.

Besides, the reason that you are changing your name could be "Common usage".

Wow thats insane.... That's what i'm hoping i don't get. even if they never
announce my reasoning for changing my name (I put "to have a name congruent with my desired gender"),
I have huge issues and anxieties about standing before a ton of people.
I'm gonna need to take a Xanax just to get in the courthouse lol
thank you!!

[Jillary Woolen Xσx]

The fun never ends.....   


I went to my credit union yesterday and plunked down the xerox copy of my court order to get things changed.  Not happening.  They have to have my new DL.  Which I don't have.

My old DL expired almost 10 years ago and I've been driving without a DL at all all that time.

I can't get a DL without a NEW Social Security card.

I can't get my new Soc. Sec card without a certified copy of my court order.

So now I'm waiting on my lawyer to obtain for me five certified copies.  Hopefully sometime today she'll call me.

THEN I can get a new Soc Sec card and take that to get a new DL and then change my bank stuff and get a new Visa card.

Sheesh!  No one told me squat.  I've been going around trying to do everything backwards and finding it all out the hard way.

Make SURE that you don't leave the courtroom without a court certified copy of your name change order and go FIRST to Social Security then to DPS for a new Drivers License.

With those two things done, in that order, you're good to go on anything else.

Oh lawdy.....
sorry to hear that Ms. Dee.
That series of events sounds exactly like something that would happen to me....
I can already feel the stress coming on lol

Hopefully Your Lawyer Gets the Ball Rollin'!!!
Good Luck!!
Post Merge: July 20, 2010, 11:19:13 AM

Oh lawdy.....
sorry to hear that Ms. Dee.
That series of events sounds exactly like something that would happen to me....
I can already feel the stress coming on lol

Hopefully Your Lawyer Gets the Ball Rollin'!!!
Good Luck!!

PS I dont know if any of that is different from Michigan, but how much does it cost to get a new SS and DL?