Change of First Name
A first name is one of the first things assigned to a person at birth and, in principle, is not subject to any formal requirements. Only inappropriate or unusual first names may be refused by the registrar. If you wish to change your first name or that of your child at a later date, you must first obtain court approval.
Request to Change a First Name
To officially change a first name, a petition must be filed with the court. Representation by an attorney is mandatory in this petition proceeding. At the request of the person concerned or their legal representative, a change of first name may be ordered. This may involve modifying existing first names as well as adding or removing first names.
Requirements
A request to change a name is not automatically approved by the court. First and foremost, there must be a sufficiently compelling reason for changing a first name. Based on the circumstances of the case, the court will assess whether this requirement is met. Examples of such interests may include an error in the birth certificate or a negative family relationship, but it may also involve a name that causes severe bullying or evokes negative memories. In some cases, the court may schedule an oral hearing to obtain further information. In such cases, the desired name must not be inappropriate. If the court approves the request for a name change, it will ensure that the desired name is recorded in the civil registry after the three-month appeal period has expired. Only then is the name change final.
Minors
For minors who wish to change their first name, the consent of their legal representative is required. A parent or guardian must file the petition for a name change with the court. Minors who have reached the age of 12 are always heard in a so-called “child hearing” with the judge.
Do you have questions about changing a first name? Feel free to contact our specialized family law attorneys in Heerlen at info@sijbenpartners.nl or by calling +31 45 560 22 00. We’re happy to help.