h_jud_2016a_2016-02-02t13:35:40z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 02/02/2016

01:36 PM -- HB16-1085



The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representative Thurlow, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 16-1085, concerning simplifying the process for returning to a prior name after a decree of dissolution or legal separation has been entered. Representative Thurlow explained the effect of the bill, and discussed its need. Committee members received a handout expressing support for the bill (Attachment A). Representative Thurlow responded to questions regarding how he came to sponsor the legislation, and security issues at the federal level. The following persons testified regarding HB 16-1085:



16HouseJud0202AttachA.pdf



01:41 PM -- Ms. Toni Chappell, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Chappell discussed issues she encountered in trying to change her name after a divorce, and addressed potential objections to the bill.



01:48 PM -- Ms. Toni Milyard, representing herself, testified in support of HB 16-1085. Ms. Milyard discussed her reasons for not changing her last name at the time of divorce, and issues encountered in trying to make the name change. Ms. Milyard responded to questions regarding the options available for making a name change at the time of divorce, and what types of documents are affected by a name change. Ms. Chappell provided input regarding changing one's name for Social Security purposes.





01:57 PM



Ms. Brita Darling, representing the Office of Legislative Legal Services, responded to questions regarding the process for changing a name outside of divorce, and the scope of the bill. Ms. Darling responded to further questions regarding certain aspects of the name-change process before the court. Ms. Darling addressed a question regarding fees charged for a name change. Discussion ensued regarding the ability to change a name post-divorce to one other than the maiden name.



02:06 PM -- Ms. Marie Moses, representing the Colorado Bar Association, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Moses discussed issues faced by those undergoing divorce, and factors that may weigh against making a name change during the divorce process. Ms. Moses also addressed questions raised during previous testimony, and noted a potential amendment to the bill. Discussion ensued concerning which name an applicant may revert to under the bill, and the time frame for making a name change under the bill. Discussion followed regarding the amendment proposed by Ms. Moses. Discussion returned to the time frame associated with name changes under the bill.





02:19 PM



Ms. Chappell returned to provide input on required notice to the former spouse when making a name change.





02:20 PM