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Minutes for HB2474 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Allowing a court to change a spouse's name to a name that is different than a maiden or former name during a divorce proceeding.
Minutes Content for Tue, Jan 18, 2022
Chairperson Patton open the hearing on HB2474. Natalie Scott provided on overview of the bill. (Attachment 3) She addressed questions from the membership.
Proponent
Melinda Lavon explained her experience with a name change after her divorce. Ms. Lavon found that different government organizations handled it differently and she had been charged various fees while trying to do what was necessary. She indicated that if her divorce decree would have stated her new name with clarity and in a way that all federal and state office's would accept the wording, it would stop wasting the resources of our courts and most importantly of everyday Kansans who are just trying their best to do the paperwork needed. Ms. Lavon thanked the membership for considering HB2474. Ms. Lavon stood for questions. (Attachment 4)
Honorable Judge Sally D. Pokorny stated she has witnessed a number of cases where a spouse is very deserving of a name change to a name other than a former or birth name. However, due to the confines of the statute, she was unable to grant the simple request. Judge Pokorny stated she is supportive of HB2474 and a name change process that would be simple, not costly, and kept as private as possible due to others problems that arise during a divorce. Judge Pokorny addressed questions from the membership. (Attachment 5)
Written Proponent
Joseph Molina, Kansas Bar Association (Attachment 6)
Lindsie Ford, Public Policy Attorney on behalf of Kansas Coalition of Sexual & Domestic Violence (Attachment 7)
Chairperson Patton closed the hearing on HB2474
Chairperson Patton adjourned the meeting at 4:55 pm.
