While I agree it should be easier, drop the publication requirement that often makes the person changing their name a target for instance, it’s not usually supposed to be a major obstacle. The name change process is supposed to allow for review to prevent fraud, avoid legal prosecution, financial obligation, and that sort of thing. It’s far more common for someone changing their name to run into a clerk that acts as an obstacle than a judge.
I’m in the first steps of my name change right now. So far the most daunting thing for me was walking into the Kenosha County Courthouse. Walking up my trans self up to six heavily armed cops guarding the front door was more than a bit intimidating, especially since I have an insulin pump and can’t just walk through the x-ray machine.
Yeah, extra attention from police; that’s what I really want …
