Child gender change one parent
Overview
Ask the court for order recognizing your child's gender change (when 1 or more parents won't sign the request)
In California, you can ask the court for an order to legally recognize your child's gender change.
To do this, you have to file a petition with the court and let the other parent(s) know about it. If your child’s other parent does not agree, they have the right to oppose your request. If they do, you will get a court date so a judge can hear from you both.
If the judge approves your request, you will get an order recognizing your child’s gender change. The process takes at least 6 weeks, longer if another parent objects.
Choose any part of the process below to get step-by-step instructions.
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1. File a petition with the court
First, you fill out and file court papers and pay a fee.
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2. Let your child’s other parent(s) know
Next, you have to serve (notify) the other parent(s) in the proper legal way so that they know about your request.
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3. Go to a hearing (if required)
If another parent or anyone else objects to the request, you’ll have to go to a hearing where the judge will hear both sides and make a decision. But if no one objects, there will not be a court date.
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4. Get an order
If the judge approves your request, you'll get a signed order. You can use this to change your child’s legal documents, like their birth certificate.