Financing transition: Job, legal, financial issues

These costs will vary dramatically depending on your situation and the state in which you live.

Employment: Costs might range from changing your employee ID to changing signage and stationery for the self-employed.

Name change: These costs vary significantly by state, and sometimes require the use of a lawyer.

Documentation change: Again varies by state, with federal documents like passports and social security at nominal fees.

Divorce: This not only varies significantly by state, but can vary radically due to issues like custody, alimony, uncontested, etc. Consult with a lawyer, and get it done sooner than later so you know where you stand financially after the settlement. Otherwise, all this planning may be moot.

Employment: An ounce of prevention might be a good idea. Transsexuals have had historically poor results in employment suits. If you plan to transition at the same job, it might be wise to discuss your situation with a good employment litigator, especially if you anticipate problems.

Finance: Your business affairs may become more complicated after transition, and you might want to consider a financial adviser to help you negotiate all the issues. You should also prepare a will before transition and make a note that it remains in effect regardless of your transition situation.

Tax preparer: You can save money doing this yourself, but don't short-change yourself on deductions. Perhaps a tax preparer can make the process easier and save you some money.

Do not base your own budget on these examples!

• Example 1 is the minimum anyone has reported for the category-- best-case.
• Examples 2, 3 and 4 represent standard ranges, with Example 3 as my attempt to show the most typical.
• Example 5 is the maximum anyone has reported for the category-- worst-case.

• ^[1] Read all notes in purple for explanation of estimates.
• The "Your estimate" column will be filled in as part of Exercise 7.

• ^[1] Assumes no need for legal or financial services, filed pro se (for yourself), state with low fees.
• ^[2] Assumes no need for legal or financial services, filed pro se (for yourself), state with moderate fees.
• ^[3] Assumes no need for legal or financial services, filed pro se (for yourself), state with moderate fees.
• ^[4] Assumes self-employed, state with moderate fees, uncontested divorce, bankruptcy.
• ^[5] Assumes state with high fees, messy and complicated divorce with custody battle, wrongful firing suit, complicated business affairs.
• ^[6] Revising resumes, business cards, stationery, signage and listings, employee ID badge, professional memberships, diplomas, etc.
• ^[7] Court costs for legal name change vary widely by state. Check yours for accurate costs.
• ^[8] Again, varies by state. Birth Certificate, driver's license, state ID, passport, checks, etc.
• ^[9] Divorce costs vary widely by state and by complication of case. Numbers are illustrative of rather low and rather high fees.
• ^[10] I recommend consulting a lawyer a year prior to coming out at work if you expect you will have a problem.
• ^[11] In case you need help with your affairs beyond this masterpiece!
• ^[12] A tax preparer saved me thousands of dollars. Best $150 I've ever spent.

Order the interactive spreadsheet of this financing information.