Gabby's Legal Name Change
Donation protected
Since coming out as transgender in January 2018, I have used the name Gabrielle (nicknames Gabby/Gabs). However, as I make plans for the future, including moving in with my girlfriend and applying for graduate school, my legal name and gender assignment continue to be a source of dysphoria. Fortunately, at least one of these is within my ability to change.
The legal name change process in Michigan is frustratingly complicated. Here is a breakdown of the steps and costs involved:
- File a petition with my local circuit court ($175 filing fee)
- Get fingerprinted by municipal police department ($10 fee)
- Submit fingerprints to Michigan State Police in order to complete Criminal Background check ($43.25 processing fee)
- Publish notification of name change hearing in a local newspaper (estimated fee of $80.25)
- Following a (hopefully) successful hearing, there is a $10 fee for the court to enter the order officially recognizing the change of name; obtaining a certified copy of the order costs an additional $10
- Apply for an new birth certificate with the updated name ($50 application fee)
Why am I asking for your help in funding this admittedly solely personal initiative, especially as I am in a stable, if not exactly comfortable, financial situation? Only because I am not sure when I will be able to put aside sufficient funds, especially as I am also trying to save for housing and education, and maybe even health insurance.
To all my friends to are considering donating, I can't thank you enough for your support. And to everyone who can't personally donate, I entirely understand too! Shares are also appreciated!
Help a sister out if you can! I love y'all!
Solidarity,
Gabby
The legal name change process in Michigan is frustratingly complicated. Here is a breakdown of the steps and costs involved:
- File a petition with my local circuit court ($175 filing fee)
- Get fingerprinted by municipal police department ($10 fee)
- Submit fingerprints to Michigan State Police in order to complete Criminal Background check ($43.25 processing fee)
- Publish notification of name change hearing in a local newspaper (estimated fee of $80.25)
- Following a (hopefully) successful hearing, there is a $10 fee for the court to enter the order officially recognizing the change of name; obtaining a certified copy of the order costs an additional $10
- Apply for an new birth certificate with the updated name ($50 application fee)
Why am I asking for your help in funding this admittedly solely personal initiative, especially as I am in a stable, if not exactly comfortable, financial situation? Only because I am not sure when I will be able to put aside sufficient funds, especially as I am also trying to save for housing and education, and maybe even health insurance.
To all my friends to are considering donating, I can't thank you enough for your support. And to everyone who can't personally donate, I entirely understand too! Shares are also appreciated!
Help a sister out if you can! I love y'all!
Solidarity,
Gabby
Organizer
Gabby Bray
Organizer
Ferndale, MI
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