Current law requires an individual seeking a name change petition to publish notice of their petition in a local newspaper once per week for three consecutive weeks before they may petition the court. Currently, the notice must include the nature of the petition and when and where the petition will be heard. Exemptions only exist for individuals who request the petition remain confidential, show that publication of the petition could endanger them, and show that they are not seeking a name change to avoid a debt or conceal a criminal record.
This is an outdated practice which restricts an individual’s ability to privately pursue a name change in conformity with their gender identity. Wisconsinites should be able to pursue self-expression and acceptance - without publication of their private lives in the local news.
This bill creates an additional exception for individuals who are seeking a name change to conform with their gender identity. Under this exception, individuals are still required to prove they are not seeking a name change to avoid a debt or conceal a criminal record.
Wisconsin Watch: Wisconsin’s name-change law raises safety risks for transgender people
