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Read moreShould My Documents Reflect My Transgender Child's New Name?
- June 6th, 2023
- Harry Margolis
Q
My child is transgender and has legally changed to female gender - name and everything. Do I need to change the name on my legal forms? I do have another son who is on the forms first.
A
No, though it could clarify things. Your child is the same person no matter their name or gender. Just as it’s not necessary to change estate planning documents and beneficiary designations when a daughter marries and takes her new husband’s name, it’s not necessary when a name change includes a change of gender. That said, in order to avoid any confusion down the road, over time it would make sense to update your documents. It also might make your daughter feel better given the hurdles she no doubt faces being transgender.
Harry S. Margolis practices elder law, estate, and special needs planning in Boston and Wellesley, Massachusetts. He is the founder of ElderLawAnswers.com and answers consumer questions about estate planning issues here and at AskHarry.info.