Hello all,
I'm trying to get my name changed, and while I've been doing some research, I would very much like to hear from anyone who has had experience with it themselves.
I'll probably have to submit the forms to Denton county instead of Dallas county but, if you're in DFW and have had a name change, would you mind telling me the forms you needed, your experience, and I'm trying to decide if I should change my gender marker at this time; I think it would be easier to get approved if I only did the name change yet I'm worried that it will make changing the marker more difficult in the future. As you see it, what would be the pros and cons of changing the marker now-would it really be worth the addition money right now?
Any input on the matter would be much appreciated.
Thanks

I did my name change in Denton county, but saved my gender marker for later. If you just need your name changed, you can use the standard name change form & instructions found herehttp://texaslawhelp.org/resource/adult-name-change-forms-and-instructions-in-e. I also have a scanned copy of an example of the gender marker change statement that someone else typed up, message me your email if you'd like to see that.

My experience was very positive- I filled out the form and got it notarized for free at my bank, then went to the Denton Juvie to get my fingerprints taken, then just went up the street to the courthouse, which is huge and also contains the clerk's office (you want the one on the left, but I forget which is district clerk and which is county clerk). Then upstairs to make copies in the library (bring quarters), back down to the clerks to actually file the petition, then they just had me go upstairs and see which judges had some free time to do it. I did just what the ladies in the clerk's office told me to do- look for a mostly empty courtroom and ask the bailiff if the judge can hear your petition.

I did all of this in one afternoon- there's a lot of waiting around feeling awkward, but otherwise it's pretty painless. My judge just asked me why I wanted to change my name, and I told her this name better fits who I am as a person. Then a couple other standard questions that basically amount to "you know this won't get you out of debts/warrants/etc, right?" and I was good to go. Another stop in the library to make copies, and back down to the clerk to actually file the signed name change order.

Thanks! Did you need a doctor's note for the name change?

Quote from: ScottyWC on April 28, 2015, 01:54:46 PM
Thanks! Did you need a doctor's note for the name change?

You shouldn't, considering that there are plenty of name change petitions requesting names far more outrageous than one merely associated with the opposite sex. (The court order for a gender change is of course a different story though.)

Thanks for all your replies, I ended up having a very similar experience to Ben's.

Another couple questiona if you don't mind: I've already gotten my high school records+diploma, social security, and license changed. I know I still need to change my university records for next year, my insurance, and my CDIB(I'm native). I don't have any other bills really as I'm 18 and jobless. However, would anyone mind posting a list of things that do need to be changed, I'm rather afraid I'll miss something.

Also, I'm going to college in August and I won't be taking a car. In order to change my insurance, I'd have to tell my mother I changed my name since she pays everything. Considering I'll be moving so soon, I don't really want the stress of telling her right now. Is it imperative I move my insurance over?
I've applied for all college scholarships so far in my legal name as well. If I receive any aid, will I need to contact the granting agency of the name change before they try to send it to my uni account-I'm not sure if the financial aid office at my school would deal with that or not.

Thanks again.