Family name change of child - redetermination of the birth name in the case of later established joint custody
Service description
You can change the name of your child if you only establish joint custody with the other parent after the birth. The mother's surname or the father's surname can be considered. The deadline for the new determination of the name generally ends three months after the establishment of joint custody.
Procedure
You can submit the name change declaration to any registry office. The declaration takes effect as soon as it arrives at the registry office that keeps the birth register entry for your child.
You will receive a certificate of the name change on request.
The marriage register and the birth register will be updated.Prerequisites
- The child already has a name
- The joint custody of the parents is only established retrospectively (after the child already has a name)
- if the child has reached the age of five: Consent of the child
- The establishment of joint custody did not take place more than three months ago (exception: if one parent is not habitually resident in Germany when joint custody is established; in this case, the deadline does not expire until one month after returning to Germany)
Which documents are required?
- Birth certificate of child (with official translation if necessary)
- Identity cards or passports
- Marriage certificate or
- Proof of custody
Further documents may be required in individual cases. You can enquire about these at the registry office.
What fees are incurred?
A fee of EUR 23.50 is charged for the notarisation of the declaration, unless the municipality has set a different fee by statute.
What deadlines do I have to observe?
The new birth name must be determined within 3 months of the establishment of joint custody of the child.
Legal basis
What else should I know?
If you or your spouse or child do not speak German, you will need to hire an interpreter at your own expense.
Short text
- Surname change child - redetermination of the birth name
- The name of a child can be newly determined if joint custody is only exercised with the other parent after the birth.
- A fee of EUR 23.50 is charged for the notarisation of the declaration, unless the municipality has set a different fee by statute.
- Responsibility: Registry office
Typing
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