Closer to name change!!!

[Lana Mae]

I have been able to hold back $600 for my name change! It will be a total of about $800 but I will not need it all at once! I finally got my work schedule and can make an appointment! This is almost exhilarating! So, Monday I will make that first appointment! I just hope it all works out! I will keep everyone posted! Hugs Lana Mae

[Jeri Ann]

Woohoo! Yay for you. More and more, here in Houston, I hear about women doing their own name and gender marker change. It is a lot cheaper that way. You might check on that as a possibility.

[Lana Mae]

Jeri Ann, I did check at the Clerk of Courts office and they said I need an attorney! It is probably just this county as the requirements vary from county to county as does the cost! I have the money now and am just going to go forward with it! Hugs Lana Mae

[Sarah Doepner]

Yay! I went to the casino just across the state line (about 90 minutes away) to spend the night. I had to show my ID multiple times to get my reservation and the freebies they offered. Even though I'm used to it, I don't have to like that photo and name. I may be another 6-8 months behind you. Keep up the good work and being a good role model for me!

[Lana Mae]

Well, here, it is posted at the courthouse for 10 days(petition for name change), there is a period of waiting for the criminal checks to come back and then to court for a judge's decision! It is going to be a drawn out process I feel!
I am your role model? really? Wow, I mean really? I do not know if I deserve all of that praise! Anyway...
Hugs Lana Mae

[Devi SM]

Lana Mae, Congratatioms! You're an inspiration for me too, so I'm very happy for you too!
Even thought you start HRT after me (I don't see it as a contest) you had been able.to move forward doing things that I can't do yet.

As other said here, i have the same problems having g my id as Male with the picture of male and the respectively gender. More, DMV renew my driver license almost automatically and it's done before I didn't get new picture so.you see a very differe t person from who I am and look now. It's a very uncomfortable thing that I will have to fix soon.

For me, transition, has been a slow process letting g wife get adapted.to things I would had done time ago but she's the most important part of my life and has been adapting very good to me, considering I'm living 90% if my time as me.

Here in California is so easy and quick. Just file in court a from they have ready and name and gender is change after 6 weeks of wait after submitted, then got the order from court signed for the judge and we can go to DMV, SSA, etc. For my current low income I can waive the $400 fee of the court so all that would be free for me.

Devi

[Lana Mae]

Devi, I think we have been inspirational to each other! I follow you closely on the things that may occur! I can move a little faster as I do not have a wife to be concerned about but I do keep my daughter updated!
The county I am living in, insists that you use a lawyer for your name change! That is $500 off the top and the Clerk of Courts costs in NC is from $88 to $120! Then there is the cost of getting a copy of your fingerprints($20) Then criminal checks with the FBI and the SBI at around $15 to $20 each! The Petition for name change has to be posted at the courthouse for 10 days! Then to the judge to decide if you get your name change! I will trudge on! LOL
Hugs Lana Mae

[Aunt Kelly]

Yay! So happy for you being able to take this large and very affirming step.:)

[JuliaGirl]

Congrats! My daughter is just starting that process here and while slow, the steps seem pretty simple starting for her with birth certificate, then a chain of other places it need changing. But overall it seems to have started well. Keep us all posted!!

[Lana Mae]

I did it!!! I was driving to the bank to deposit my paycheck and went past the attorney's office and they were in!!!! I did my banking and went home and got my work schedule! I went to the attorney's office! I was greeted by the daughter who will be my attorney! (I had her mother for the closing on my house!) She was very pleasant and asked me my name I want to change to and called me Lana Mae afterwards! Total cost for attorney is $600 and $300 of that is up front but they will take payments! WOW! After getting a bitchy receptionist/secretary the first time this was a breathe of fresh air! OK, so yes, I am floating!! LOL Hugs Lana Mae

[GracieRose]

I did it!!!
Congratulations. I'm so glad that your attorney worked out so well.

[Sarah Doepner]

Love it! Keep us in the loop so we can celebrate at the right time!

[Lana Mae]

Gracie: Me, too! LOL
Sarah: I will keep you informed as I go along!
Thanks for your responses!
Hugs Lana Mae

[Robin-in-TX]

Jeri Ann, I did check at the Clerk of Courts office and they said I need an attorney! It is probably just this county as the requirements vary from county to county as does the cost! I have the money now and am just going to go forward with it! Hugs Lana Mae

Congratulations, Lana Mae, I'm very happy for you. Folks have a right to represent themselves in all courts and almost all cases, including death penalty cases. If your court clerk told you that you must have an attorney, take it as a suggestion. I've been practicing law for a couple of decades and can tell you with certainty that you cannot be refused your day in court because you do not have an attorney.

[Krisi]

It seems unfair for the government to make it that expensive to change your name. What is it costing them? Basically a few minutes filling out and filing forms. I would think $25 should cover it.

[Lana Mae]

Robin: I have the money now, I know the drill and I do not want to ruffle an feathers right now! I will follow their procedures regardless how stupid I find them!
Krisi: That does not even cover the criminal checks!
Thanks for your replies!
Hugs Lana Mae