Hi Everyone!

My court date for name change is coming up soon.  I am so excited to finally have my IDs match what I tell people every day.  There is one problem though, I just found out I will be out of the country on that day.  I know that AB1121, which passed in California mandates that if there are no objections, a name change to match gender identity must be approved without court hearing. Has anyone in California been required to attend court for a name change after AB1121 came into effect July 2014?  If I do have to go to court for a hearing, can I have a lawyer go for me?  I have a relatively small budget and short time, so I need advice, especially if you have experience with this.  The court I filed at is Oakland Rene C Davidson.  Thanks everyone!