Transgender Name Change Court Fees Fund
Donation protected
Introduction:
My name is Ginny Mikita (she/her). I am an attorney in Michigan with a heart for the transgender community. Last year, I had the privilege of representing my beautiful 9-year old niece in her legal name change proceeding. Since then, I have had the opportunity to provide pro bono representation to many more transgender and non-binary clients seeking to change their legal changes.
My Goal:
While my legal services are free, there are expenses associated with these proceedings that can total as much as $378 per individual:
Fingerprint Fee $58.25 to $63.25 (Adults 22+)
Filing Fee $185*
Publication Fee $94
Certification Fees $12.00/copy (usually recommend three) = $36.00
Total Costs: $378
*Courts have the discretion to waive the filing fee upon a finding of indigence.
As a side note, The Grand Rapids Trans Foundation, through the generosity of its donors, was able to underwrite the above-referenced fees for a number of individuals in 2019; however, the fund from which the fees were paid has been exhausted.
My goal is to raise sufficient funds to ensure all transgender/non-binary individuals whose dream it is to legally change their names can do so at no financial cost to them.
How You Can Help:
1. Donate any amount (100% will go toward the above-referenced fees, as I will continue to offer my services pro bono); and/or
2. Share this link on your FB Timeline.
Word of Gratitude:
On behalf of my transgender/non-binary clients, thank you for your support, financial or otherwise. Every dollar raised will ease the financial burdens already faced by this community and, most importantly, help them in their journeys of gender identity and authenticity.
My name is Ginny Mikita (she/her). I am an attorney in Michigan with a heart for the transgender community. Last year, I had the privilege of representing my beautiful 9-year old niece in her legal name change proceeding. Since then, I have had the opportunity to provide pro bono representation to many more transgender and non-binary clients seeking to change their legal changes.
My Goal:
While my legal services are free, there are expenses associated with these proceedings that can total as much as $378 per individual:
Fingerprint Fee $58.25 to $63.25 (Adults 22+)
Filing Fee $185*
Publication Fee $94
Certification Fees $12.00/copy (usually recommend three) = $36.00
Total Costs: $378
*Courts have the discretion to waive the filing fee upon a finding of indigence.
As a side note, The Grand Rapids Trans Foundation, through the generosity of its donors, was able to underwrite the above-referenced fees for a number of individuals in 2019; however, the fund from which the fees were paid has been exhausted.
My goal is to raise sufficient funds to ensure all transgender/non-binary individuals whose dream it is to legally change their names can do so at no financial cost to them.
How You Can Help:
1. Donate any amount (100% will go toward the above-referenced fees, as I will continue to offer my services pro bono); and/or
2. Share this link on your FB Timeline.
Word of Gratitude:
On behalf of my transgender/non-binary clients, thank you for your support, financial or otherwise. Every dollar raised will ease the financial burdens already faced by this community and, most importantly, help them in their journeys of gender identity and authenticity.
Organizer
Ginny Mikita
Organizer
Rockford, MI