How slowly will the wheels turn

[Nigella]

The final chapter in my transition and acceptance in a legal sense is now in the hands of the authorities After a few months procrastinating, I have made the application for a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC). That little piece of paper that will allow me a new birth certificate stating I am female. As some of you may know, in the UK this is the only "official" document that states your gender. Ain't it funny that at this moment in time, despite having all the female bits, I could still be sent to a male prison because of a piece of paper.

Sandra had to make a declaration that she wished to stay in our marriage, if I receive a GRC, this only became possible in Dec 2014 when the same sex marriage act caught up with the trans community, despite same sex marriage being legal at least 8 months before hand.

Of course, she has said all along that is what she wanted, Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut, the letter she got confirming receipt of her declaration said, "please let us know if you change your mind, before Nigella's application goes before the Gender Recognition Panel..."


... annnnnnnnd now I have to be nice to Sandra or at least until I know for sure that I have got my GRC

[Jorja]

Crack that whip while you can Sandra! :)

I hope everything works out for you two.

[Sandra]

Oh don't worry Jorja I intend to :lol: ...and thank you

[Laura912]

You two are such great role models.

[PretzelGirl]

It is funny how some things have precedent in the process over others making some strange situations. The end is near. :

[Kris Avery]

This is fantastic. You have such a fun and loving relationship.

I am blessed by my wife who is not only very accepting, but also is my person so I can appreciate what you have.

[Leah Lynn]

Just don't end up in the docket before you have it!😇

Leah

[Nigella]

Well I know the earliest date for a decision, 20th May. I got a letter from the GRP acknowledging receipt of my application, but also enclosed was a statutory declaration which should have remained with the panel.

It seems I did not check my list twice and did not cross out a choice of words, :doh: this means I have to make another declaration, in front of the same solicitor, and return it to the GRP before 20th May so my application can go before the panel at the earliest opportunity after that date.

Just a little delay after so many long years :)

[Rianna Humble]

Seems your bloke wasn't very good at soliciting if he missed that :sad:

[Nigella]

Wasn't up to him Rianna, twas my fault :( , all he had to do was witness my signature after hearing my oath

[rosetyler]

It seems I did not check my list twice and did not cross out a choice of words,Red tape...ugh!!

Congrats, lady!

[Nigella]

I was fortunate that I was not charged by the solicitor for the 2nd time, even though it was my error not his :)

[Sandra]

2nd declaration was posted yesterday, so now we wait :)

[Paulette]

Sandra I see a short vacation from all normal household duties for you until after this process is completed and a whole lot do yes dear from Nigella.

[Adelaide]

Congrats to both of you....You're almost there!

[Eryn]

...Sandra had to make a declaration that she wished to stay in our marriage, if I receive a GRC, this only became possible in Dec 2014 when the same sex marriage act caught up with the trans community, despite same sex marriage being legal at least 8 months before hand.

Of course, she has said all along that is what she wanted, Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut, the letter she got confirming receipt of her declaration said, "please let us know if you change your mind, before Nigella's application goes before the Gender Recognition Panel..."

Of course you are in the great situation and I trust it won't change, but I am curious about what happens if a spouse makes no declaration that she wants to continue the marriage or one saying that she does not wish to continue.

Is the GRC summarily denied, the marriage summarily dissolved, or does something else occur?

[Nigella]

If the spouse does not want to stay in the marriage, you are issued an Interim Gender Recognition Certificate which is valid for 6 months. The person going for the GRC can use this to obtain a divorce. The marriage is then dissolved or annulled, and the TS can then get a full GRC.

[Nigella]

Born on the [-]4th[/-] 6th July :D

Finally got a date for my hearing, bit late for independence day, but with any hope it will be MY independence day :)

There is no requirement for me to be present and the Tribunal should let me know the results within 10 working days :GD:

[Eringirl]

:cheer:

awesome!!

[PretzelGirl]

Congrats Nigella! Is this the end of a long road?

[Sandra]

:yahoo:...............

[Nigella]

Sue

For me the journey finished when the surgeon put in the final stitch. This will just be the "legal" end of the road.

[Felicia Dee]

That's pretty spectacular! Also quite inspiring, as I am hoping to stay with my wife for the long haul, too... Hugs and best wishes to you both.

[Nigella]

Watch out for the remake of Legally Blonde,

For your delectation, the new film, starring your very own Nigella, Legally Female :D

Bring your own popcorn, even if it's only to throw at the star :p

[LeaP]

Well, congratulations!!!!!

[charlenesomeone]

Congrats on the paperwork catching up with you.
Hugs

[Rianna Humble]

your very own Nigella, Legally Female :D

Congratulations milady!


Bring your own popcorn, even if it's only to throw at the star :p

I find soggy figs are better for that :heehee:

[steftoday]

Congrats Nigella!

[Nigella]

Don't you just love it when things fall into place.

Along with my GRC was a notice saying "what happens next". The Gender Recognition Panel Admin team will, if you request it, notifiy certain government departments that a GRC has been granted, one of the departments is the Registrar Generals office, the place where all records of "Hatches, Matches and Despatches" are kept. The notice said that they should contact you within two weeks.

It took them only two days :)

Enclosed with their letter was a draft copy of my new birth certificate for me to confirm the details, as well as information on obtaining a new marriage certificate, which if we go for gives us a number of options. We have opted for my details to be corrected on the marriage certificate and preserve our original marriage date. This may cause a few issues if we need to produce the certificate as we will appear to have married prior to the legalisation of same sex marriage. Never had to produce the certificate before, so in line with ensuring all details are consistent, we will have a new marriage certificate.

I guess no matter how far down the line you get, there will always be a little bit of your past that catches, eventually all traces will be erased, but they are minor details.

[Lorileah]

Love it when a plan comes together :)

[Eryn]

Mimi and I went 25 years before anyone needed to see our marriage certificate. Still, it is nice to have all in order, just in case!

[Nigella]

After signing the postmans little box I opened a letter that has changed my life forever :)

I have a new BIRTH CERTIFICATE :D

Tax files, pension records, infact all "government paperwork" is now locked away in dedicated departments that now hide my previous gender and can only be accessed by certain members of the relevant department.

Last piece of paper required is a new marriage certificate, but he is officially buried in the vaults of government, of course we all know how they like to lose things :)

[Eryn]

Congratulations!

So you're saying that "he" now resides in "... the bottom of a locked filing cabinet stuck in a disused lavatory with a sign on the door saying 'Beware of the leopard'." :)

I'm very happy for you!

[Suzanne F]

Congratulations!
Suzanne

[Eringirl]

great news!!! :D

congrats.

Erin

[Sandra]

The new marriage certificate arrived to day :D It has been surprising at how quickly the wheels have turned...nothing more to do now except carry on life as before.

[Felicia Dee]

Congrats!