Wait, it's too worrisome for the name change to be published (in a section the majority of people don't read) but it's not worrisome for Mom to write a column to be published in the editorial section?

It's actually not the judge's problem that this woman has a tight schedule because of school. Maybe a semester or year's delay while she dealt with her personal, medical & legal issues might have been better, but she chose to put that pressure on herself - the judge didn't. 

As for changing her name on documents once the name change has been approved? Well, millions of women (and some men) do this kind of thing each year, even while going to school, working full time, and/or caring for young children.
She's been accommodated with expedited processing bought & paid for by mom. Not sure why her personal schedule decisions are reasons to complain about a judge following the law, and about every minute step in the process