Name Changes for Lesbian Couple, In re: Hunter
Leigh Anne Ruth Hunter and Jennifer Beth Surber have been in a committed relationship for 8 years. They live together in Washington County along with Lillian Alize Hunter Surber, the four-month-old biological daughter of Ms. Surber. Leigh and Jennifer applied to the Washington County Circuit Court to change their names to Leigh Anne Hunter Surber and Jennifer Elizabeth Hunter Surber. On October 20, 2010, the court granted Jennifer’s name change but denied Leigh’s, stating that it would violate Virginia’s “Marriage Affirmation Act,” which prohibits arrangements between persons of the same sex that bestow the “privileges or obligations of marriage.” We filed a motion for reconsideration on Leigh’s behalf on November 11, 2010. The hearing took place on November 22, 2010 and on January 7, 2011, the judge issued an opinion letter stating the name change would be granted.
Court Documents (click links to view .pdf)
Opinion Letter - Washington County Circuit Court
Motion to Reconsider - Washington County Circuit Court
