I was at a lunch today, and our speaker was the head justice of the Probate & Family Court department of the Massachusetts Trial Court. She was discussing changes she wants to make to the P&F.
One of the changes that had either just been implemented or will very soon, is the "reason why" section of the petition. She said currently, you fill out the reason why you want a name change, then the judge signs off on it, so the "reason why" section is on your final forms that you would show to people and companies to change your name in their records.
Because they were concerned about the privacy of transgender people, they have decided to change the procedure so the "reason why" section and your answer isn't included on the final document after the name change has been granted.
I think this is great news.
