What are the requirements for a name change?
August 26, 2023 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Fred Busse
Dear Family Law Attorney,
My name is Guido Sontheimer and I am reaching out to you with a question regarding a name change. My situation is as follows: I got divorced several years ago and still carry my ex-wife's last name. Now I would like to change my last name as I want to emotionally detach myself from my former marriage and make a fresh start.
Currently, I have been carrying my ex-wife's last name since the divorce, and it is becoming increasingly burdensome for me. I no longer identify with this name and would like to revert back to my birth name.
My concerns revolve around not knowing exactly what requirements need to be met for a name change and how the process of such a name change works. I am unsure if I have all the necessary documents and how long it could take for the name change to be completed.
Therefore, my question to you is: What specific requirements must be met for a name change? What documents are needed and how long does it take for the name change to be legally effective? Are there any possible hurdles or difficulties that I should be prepared for?
Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Sincerely,
Guido Sontheimer
Dear Mr. Sontheimer,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding a name change within the framework of family law. A name change is a legal process that must meet certain requirements in order to be carried out.
Firstly, it is important to mention that a name change is generally possible in Germany, but under certain conditions. A name change can, for example, be made if there is an important reason that justifies the name change. In your case, this important reason could be that you want to emotionally detach from your previous marriage and start fresh.
To carry out a name change, you must submit an application to the relevant registry office. In this application, you must state the reason for the name change and submit all necessary documents. These documents usually include your birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce certificate, and any other documents justifying your name change.
The process of a name change may vary depending on the registry office and federal state. Typically, the application will be reviewed and if approved, a new ID card or passport with the changed name will be issued. The duration of the entire process can vary and depends on various factors, such as the workload of the registry office.
It is important to be prepared for possible obstacles or difficulties that may delay or complicate the process of the name change. In this case, it may be helpful to seek advice from an experienced family law attorney to ensure that all steps are completed correctly and in a timely manner.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available to answer any further questions you may have.
Best regards,
Fred Busse
