NYC just made it easier for people to change their name in court

WNYC News

A New York City teen decided last year to change their name so it would match their gender identity.

But even though  New York has some of the strongest laws in the country for people who want to change their name, a court clerk refused to sign off on the paperwork.

With help from Legal Services NYC, the teen, Lain Nelson, filed a legal challenge.

About a month ago, they reached a settlement with the New York City civil clerk’s office that’s supposed to make the process better for all city residents.

The deal requires the civil court clerk’s office in New York City to give new instructions to the employees tasked with reviewing petitions to ensure they’re following the law. The office also agreed to publish more information about the process for people who want to change their name.

Read the full story on Gothamist.com.