Read this statement and respond below to indicate you have read it and understand.

● Both name change orders and gender marker change orders are granted by a judge. Judges have the discretion to choose to either grant or deny petitions for name change orders and gender marker change orders.

● A name change order will permit the petitioner to then alter their name on state-issued forms of identification. A gender marker change order generally supports the petitioner in altering their gender marker on state-issued forms of identification.

● Although the order is a binding order of a Texas district court of general jurisdiction, it is not an absolute guarantee that state entities will immediately adjust a petitioner’s gender marker in accordance with the order.

● Parties who conduct background checks may still be able to see that the petitioner’s name or gender has changed.

>>> Information about the Trans Legal Aid Clinic of Texas Name and Gender Marker Clinic (the "Clinic")

● The purpose of the Clinic is to provide information and advice on your petition for name and/or gender marker change so that you have the information you need in order to represent yourself. Clinic volunteers will not be representing you in your name and/or gender marker change.

● The Clinic will seek a pro bono attorney to further assist you if you request it and are eligible to receive pro bono assistance.

>>> Agreement with Individual Seeking Name and/or Gender Marker Change (the "Applicant")

● The Clinic will assist Applicant only in the process of preparing the petition and identifying the supporting documents necessary for a name and/or gender marker change. The Clinic will not represent the applicant in any other matter unless a new Applicant Statement of Understanding is signed. Other matters include but are not limited to representation at the hearing on the petition for name and gender marker change, a lawsuit, adversary proceeding, mediation, arbitration, agency proceeding, appeal, or enforcement of a judgment.

● The Clinic will maintain the confidentiality of all applicant information. Applicant information will be maintained in compliance with the standards of the Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct.

● The Clinic’s assistance is free, but the Clinic will not cover the fees, fines, or other costs associated with filing a petition for name or gender marker change, or fees charged in the process of updating various forms of identification. The Clinic will, however, assist Applicant in pursuing a waiver of court fees associated with the name or gender marker change if appropriate—but the court ultimately decides whether to grant relief from fees.

● Applicant agrees that the Clinic will assign lawyers and law student volunteers to assist Applicant in the process of preparing the petition for a name and/or gender marker change. The Clinic agrees that all lawyers and volunteers will follow the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and this Statement of Understanding.

● The Clinic may stop assisting Applicant if allowed by the Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct.

● Applicant will promptly tell the Clinic if any reporter or adverse party tries to contact Applicant. Applicant will notify the Clinic prior to contacting any reporter or adverse party.

● Applicant is encouraged to refer interested parties to the Clinic. But Applicant will not disseminate documents filed in court to parties outside of the courts, agencies that must be notified to update identifying information, or the Clinic.

● Applicant will ensure that the Clinic always has a way to contact Applicant, work to get all documents and information that the Clinic requests in a timely manner, and promptly attend all meetings and court proceedings.

● Applicant will notify the Clinic of any dates and times of court or administrative hearings held in Applicant’s case.