The T-Male
Michigan Name Change Information in detail
Do you have more information for Michigan? Tell Nick, he'll post the information! info@thetransitionalmale.com Updated Nov. 18, 2006
Hi Nick! Here's the info on the name change guidelines for Michigan (its taken directly from the court). Guys in Michigan will need to go down to their county courthouse and ask for the paperwork described below. Also, you need a letter to change your gender on your DL. They prefer if you get your name changed to bring in that document, along with you surgeons letter and get everything changed at once.
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For every person 22 years of age or older whose name appears on the Petition for Name change must follow these instructions before the court can act on the petition. MCLA 711.1 Under Michigan law, every person 22 years of age or older who is requesting a name change must have 2 complete sets of fingerprints taken at at local police agency. Those fingerprints will be used by the Michigan State Police(MSP) and FBI to check criminal records. The MSP will send a report to the court regarding any criminal records. If you have a criminal record, it will presumed that you are seeking the name change with fraudulent intent. You must prove to the court that the name change is not being sought with fraudulent intent.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. You must have been a county resident for at least one year prior to filing.
2. Complete the Petition for Name Change (signed in front of a notary public) and make a copy to use when obtaining the criminal record check. (The copy will be made for you when you file at the courthouse, you don't need to make another copy).
3. File the Petition for Name Change with Court Services and pay the filing fee ($161.00 this could vary from county to county).
4. Go to your local police agency to have your fingerprints taken. (call in advance). Take a copy of the Petition for Name Change with you. (some agency's require an additional $20.00 for fingerprints).
5. After you have had your fingerprints taken, mail or deliver the copy of the Petition for Name Change, the fingerprint cards and a check or money order for $54.00 made payable to the Michigan State Police to: Michigan State Police, Criminal Justice Information Center, 7150 Harris Drive, Lansing, MI 48913 (Make sure you write your case number down before you send it to the police!)
6. The MSP will review their criminal records and will forward the fingerprints to the FBI. Once the FBI has reviewed their records and reported the info to the MSP, the MSP will send a report to the court.
7. Contact Court Services in your county 6-8 weeks after you mail or deliver your fingerprint cards to the MSP. Have your case number available.
8. If the report has been received by Court Services, contact Central Assignment in your county to obtain a court date in 3-4 weeks and then file the praecipe** with Central Assignment. (this form is in your original packet)
9. Immediately take the Publication of Notice of Hearing to your local newspaper. This notice must appear in print ONE time at least 14 days prior to the name change hearing. This cost is not included in filing fees and runs about $50.00.
10. For the scheduled hearing, bring the Order Following Hearing on Petition to Change Name and the Affidavit of Publication (provided by the newspaper) with you.
11. A certified copy of the Order will be made available to you within 24 hours of the hearing.
12. Go to hearing, stand in front of judge. That's it...your done. She may ask you "why get this new name? Its recommended for T-men to just report "Prefer the new name". That's it.***
**Praecipe - a written order addressed to the clerk of the court requesting that a writ be issued and specifying its contents.
***Nicks' notes; It is up to you what you state name change is for, but I suggest writing in what details as to why you wish to change your name; it in your best interest that it is on file what you are doing and to be forthcoming so that they don't think you aren't being deceptive should they suspect anything.
Yes, writing that you prefer a new name is partly the truth, but stating the exact reason why on the name change application, is a good idea.
However, if being brief is what makes you feel the most comfortable; follow your gut and write what you wish.
I wrote "Gender Reassignment" on mine, heeding the advice of a local MTF I was friends with. The judge didn't bat an eye and as he stamped my papers and signed them, he wished me the best in my new life. Keep in mind, I am in Oklahoma - the very buckle of the bible belt of the USA.