Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Whatsup guys, I have been doing some looking another for awhile on name changing. I have a question that i can't seem to find the answer to..So maybe you all can help me out...

Do i have to go through therapy before I can even get my name changed? It wouldn't make sense right because anybody can get their name changed so I could just go down and change it as well right? I wanna keep it simple from Crystal to kris...Nothing to crazy lol

Thanks for takin the time out to read this!

In the United States, a name change is your right.
It does not have to be based on any current or future gender change.
There are only a few limitations on this right in some cases for felons.
Many jurisdictions have residency requirement, usually six months or a year.

While legally changing your name is usually pretty simple,
propagating that name change can be a bit of work.
(Did you change your name on your library card yet?)

I would suggest that if you change your name go for the final version the first time.

Quote from: Renate on September 03, 2010, 07:25:18 AM
While legally changing your name is usually pretty simple,
propagating that name change can be a bit of work.
(Did you change your name on your library card yet?)

I would suggest that if you change your name go for the final version the first time.

I wish! That would be pretty awesome lol. (library card)
Well I don't have any felons, never even been in trouble with the cops
I just hope it is pretty simple...Thanks for your help!

If you're in the U.S. each state is different on what you have to do to change your name. Dealing with the courts or courtroom documents are a given since it's a legal change. Some states you have to get a lawyer and/or go before a judge, pay to have a name change notice put in a paper, etc. Price depends on whatever you have to do.

I don't think its required to go to therapy to change your name, but here in michigan its not. I just went to Probate court, bought the name changing papers, which were $5, Set up a court date, which was july, 2nd, 2010. The whole process took about three weeks, the court was all in my favor, nobody was there except for my mom, haha, but.. the judge didn't make me state my case or anything, he just read some things from a book, then said "Conratulations Damian grey ______, have a good day SIR" :D I was so happy he said sir. google your county and go to probate court, then name change. And all the requirements should be right there. I hope i helped, :)

As Renate mentioned changing ones name is your right and it can be done for many reasons from not liking the name you were given at birth, your family name, because of marriage.  You cannot do it to avoid financial commitments, prosecution, etc, etc.  Check out the Wiki article here at Susan's - Lots of useful information.  See:

https://www.susans.org/wiki/Name_change (https://www.susans.org/wiki/Name_change)

Steph

It can vary from county to county, too.  I know in the county where my therapist practices, a name change is a simple thing to get.  However, where I live, it is difficult, and I probably won't be able to change it without a letter.  But most places you should be fine.

=w=  I'm glad this was brought up~ For I have needed to ask this aswell~

... Thank You Kris~ X3



Alun

you DEF do not need therapy to get your name changed. depending where your from though, there are different regulations and steps to go through. good luck

Name changes are simple.....I am an attorney and if you send me a message - I don;t know if I have that privilege .... but I can help you lay it out so it will be a piece of cake...I have worked on Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri,Texas...I can also help for the waiver for court fees if you need it. 

It really is no big deal ... court appearance ... notice ... each state has it's own little quirks .. but if you give me your info and state I can get the paperwork together and email it to you.

Quote from: Rob on September 03, 2010, 11:06:42 PM
Name changes are simple.....I am an attorney and if you send me a message - I don;t know if I have that privilege .... but I can help you lay it out so it will be a piece of cake...I have worked on Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri,Texas...I can also help for the waiver for court fees if you need it. 

It really is no big deal ... court appearance ... notice ... each state has it's own little quirks .. but if you give me your info and state I can get the paperwork together and email it to you.

You will need 15 posts to send PMs, Rob.

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- Kate

I figured I wouldn't be able to get PM's

I don't need personal information ... just what state you are from and then I can send you the forms in a format that you can fill it out yourself & give you the steps you need to take ... for example in MN you have provide a criminal background check but in Texas you have to be finger printed. 

I just have done it for clients here and I know the legal system can be intimidating

No offense intended, Rob.  I just want people to be careful here.

- Kate

Quote from: Mr. Fox on September 03, 2010, 03:56:56 PM
It can vary from county to county, too.  I know in the county where my therapist practices, a name change is a simple thing to get.  However, where I live, it is difficult, and I probably won't be able to change it without a letter.  But most places you should be fine.

Where do you live that it requires a letter to change your name? Is it some kind of special case scenario because it involves someone who is trans? I mean that would be absurd in a lot of situations and therapy doesn't even come close to applying in many situations. Imagine if the nurse misspelled your name on the birth certificate, would your mom need a letter from a therapist to have it corrected legally? lol

Sorry It is taking me so long to respond back to these post, been really busy with work. Thank you so much to everybody who helped me out with that. I'm from arizona...I know the filling fee is 234 dollars...( I know this because I have the paper here at home) last time I check with my counts it was only 197.00 so I need to get this done before it goes up even more you know... but I also seen on it that there is a waver you can do where it came cost you "Little to no money" if you meet the (low income part of it) it says but I don't know what to put in the "For what reason do you wish to change your name" part...I mean I do I just put Transgender lol...and Your welcome Alun I'm glad I'm not the only one that thought about this as well...Thanks again guys and ladies and thanks rob I have the papers and everything I just had some questions about the whole deal with it but thanks anyway that was really cool of you

I didn't have to give a reason when I changed mine.  (It should have been obvious, changing from a only-male name to Katherine. ::))  You might put down that you want a more suitable name and leave it at that.

Good luck.

- Kate

Quote from: K8 on September 08, 2010, 08:04:21 AM
I didn't have to give a reason when I changed mine.  (It should have been obvious, changing from a only-male name to Katherine. ::))  You might put down that you want a more suitable name and leave it at that.

Thank you so much kate. Your right. I'm just going to do that. I love this site. You all are so helpful! By the way I like your username..I'm a little slow lol so I'm like "k...8.....what...." then i seen your name at the buttom of your post. It was like a da moment for me lol. Its awesome. Thanks again

Almost 300$?? Really... Daaang.... Here in the hellish panhandle it's 30$ or so...  That's crazy go nuts. DDDD:


Alun

Quote from: Alun C on September 08, 2010, 02:58:42 PM
Almost 300$?? Really... Daaang.... Here in the hellish panhandle it's 30$ or so...  That's crazy go nuts. DDDD:


Alun

I know its freakin crazy and sucks. but its worth it I guess. You are lucky only paying 30!

Quote from: Kris on September 08, 2010, 04:46:21 AM
I don't know what to put in the "For what reason do you wish to change your name" part.

The simplest answer is "Common usage".
That means that people already use this name for you.
If you have a fit of conscience putting this down, just have your best friend call you by your new name a few times. >:-)

For reason  I just put Personal Reasons, though it was obvious, as Kate said.


Jay

I stated 'personal reasons' as well. Including when I had to go everywhere to change my name (DMV, University, etc) they would sometimes ask for the reason. Only twice, I think, did someone get too nosy; I remember one woman who said, "Oh, did you get married?" Me: "No, I did not." Her: "Oh, why would you change your name, then?" Me: "Personal reasons." Her: "Oh, really? Why?" Me: *incredulous look* "Personal reasons." Her: *huffy*

But generally it's the best answer to give because it makes it clear to nearly everyone that it's none of their business, and it's completely legitimate.

Quote from: Renate on September 13, 2010, 04:54:34 AM
The simplest answer is "Common usage".
That means that people already use this name for you.
If you have a fit of conscience putting this down, just have your best friend call you by your new name a few times. >:-)

lol thats funny. Thats always a really good reason to put down because I mean everybody I know calls me kris anyways. Even my boss's at work call me kris along with my parents and slibings so that is perfect for me. Thank you so much

Quote from: Alun C on September 08, 2010, 02:58:42 PM
Almost 300$?? Really... Daaang.... Here in the hellish panhandle it's 30$ or so...  That's crazy go nuts. DDDD:


Alun

Lucky, I ended up paying $498 for mine.

Quote from: Renate on September 13, 2010, 04:54:34 AM
The simplest answer is "Common usage".
That means that people already use this name for you.
If you have a fit of conscience putting this down, just have your best friend call you by your new name a few times. >:-)

When i went in front of the judge he never even asked me, just smiled and said okay.
At my court date there was also a MTF getting her name changed, he didnt say anything to them either.. It was quite obvious what was going on also considering her name before was Robert.

Quote from: M.Grimm on September 13, 2010, 03:38:10 PM
Only twice, I think, did someone get too nosy; I remember one woman who said, "Oh, did you get married?" Me: "No, I did not." Her: "Oh, why would you change your name, then?" Me: "Personal reasons." Her: "Oh, really? Why?" Me: *incredulous look* "Personal reasons." Her: *huffy*

Dang. She probably asks people about their sex lives, too. ::)