“The Appellate Court set its sights on a more appropriate best interest standard for this court to consider on remand, finding that this court abused its discretion,” Kirby wrote in his decision.
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The teen was born female but identifies as male, prompting the name change request.
The three-judge appeals court panel, in a March 4 decision, ordered Kirby to “reconsider the application for change of name pursuant to the best interest factors recognized herein and based upon the record or after such further proceedings as the probate court deems necessary.”
Kirby decided to grant the name change without another hearing.
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