I'm an FTM in Oregon and will attend college in Massachusetts very soon. My question: can I apply for a legal name change in Massachusetts, or does it have to be my permanent residence? I'm asking this because the name change process will be a lot slower if I do it in OR because the forms have to be signed, notarized, etc. and I'd have to get my mom to mail the stuff back and forth. Does anyone have experience with this?

Quote from: Andrew on August 18, 2006, 05:21:34 PM
I'm an FTM in Oregon and will attend college in Massachusetts very soon. My question: can I apply for a legal name change in Massachusetts, or does it have to be my permanent residence? I'm asking this because the name change process will be a lot slower if I do it in OR because the forms have to be signed, notarized, etc. and I'd have to get my mom to mail the stuff back and forth. Does anyone have experience with this?

I believe that Melissa can best answer the the Oregon part... Hey Melissa you there

Steph

It should only take a few weeks once you file the name change document.  What state will your driver's license say?  If it says Oregon, it would be better to do it there.  If you will change your license, then see which process is easier:

Massachusetts
Oregon

Melissa


Posted at: August 18, 2006, 04:28:59 PM

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Quote from: Steph on August 18, 2006, 06:27:45 PM
I believe that Melissa can best answer the the Oregon part... Hey Melissa you there

Yep, I was already answering.

Melissa


Posted at: August 18, 2006, 04:29:36 PM

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Additionally, I changed mine in Washington (which was easy enough), but Leigh told me that it's easier in Oregon than Washington.

Melissa

You must file in your county of residence for Oregon. I think it was seven forms needed (lost the url), which is the same as Wisconsin. You also have to make a court appearance in your home county of residence so mailing papers back and forth wouldn't be an option. I didn't look far enough but I'm sure you will have to run a legal notice for a few weeks too that could cost up to $100.

The Oregon name change kit is available here but seems too high a price. I bought mine at an office supply store for less than $5. Your county courthouse can tell you were the forms are available in your area, or they may have them on hand.


Sandi

The cost is , or was $89.00.

They do name changes every Thursday and it takes two weeks,  If you applied on a Wednesday you only have to wait 15 days.  Friday and its 20 days.  All that is required for public notice is for a copy to be posted in the courthouse, no newspapers necessary.  If you want to be sneaky, post it under another notice.  Get 5 or 6 originals of the name change decree.  SSA wants an original for their records and so do some banks.

Now this applies in Multnomah county.  Each county can make up their own rules.

If you are in or close to PDX let me know.

Leigh

I takes a full month to get your name changed. Yes, its 2 week wait then another 2 week wait etc. etc. It took me a full month and I had to see the judge for his signature. It's a little more now and plus you have to buy the forms which I think it cost me a dollar a form, it maybe more now that was about 3-4 years ago. It cost me a little over 100 dollars and a months wait. It was easy, but time consuming. As for my license it was immediately. All I had to have was the court documents and they changed my name and the gender marker. I have heard that it takes longer for the gender marker, but mine was on the same day.
Sheila