How can I change my first name or my child's?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
A change of first name in the Netherlands requires a court application through a lawyer and a substantial reason. Changing a surname is a separate Justis procedure.
On this page
1. Current and requested names
Record current and proposed first names and the important reason, such as serious bullying or psychological suffering. The proposed name must be appropriate; a surname is allowed only if commonly used as a first name.
2. Reason and evidence
Use a lawyer, who is mandatory for filing. Ask about court fees, legal fees, translation and legal aid. For a minor, a parent with authority or guardian applies.
3. Lawyer and costs
Gather the birth certificate, population-register extracts and, where needed, authority-register extract. List interested parties. A sole applying parent supplies the other's agreement or explains its absence. Overseas cases require extra information.
4. Certificates, authority, other parent
The court informs interested parties and often decides on paper; a hearing may follow. Children aged eight and above are invited for a child interview. Follow the notice; absence can work against you.
5. Notice and response
The other parent may respond orally at the hearing without a lawyer. Written defence requires a lawyer; Rechtspraak says up to two days before the hearing. Check your own directions and any counter-request fee.
6. Decision, registration and appeal
Discuss the decision promptly with your lawyer. On approval, the competent municipality processes it; check the BRP and identity documents. Rechtspraak gives three months for appeal with a lawyer. Our preparation is not a petition.
Can I send the court my own change request?
Not as a replacement for the formal application: a lawyer must file it. Your notes prepare the case. The other parent can respond orally without a lawyer.
Documents to prepare
Prepare your next stepFill in and save · Word
Tick what you have checked or collected. Note what is missing and take your overview to a meeting.
Unless saved in My overview: Your entries stay only on this screen. Download before leaving; closing or reloading clears them. Do not enter identity numbers, passwords or unnecessary personal details.
What do you still need for your next step?
Item 1 / 6 · Where do you stand with this item?
Current and requested names
This overview follows your own answers. It does not assess your rights or guarantee that your file is complete.
Your choices stay here. Use the buttons below if you want to save or download.
View all details, notes and timeline
Your timeline and evidence
List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.
What goes in my timeline?
Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
Is my evidence sent?
No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.
How do I save my timeline?
Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.
Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.
0 / 6 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
These are your own notes. Confirm agreements with the other person; these notes do not prove their agreement.
This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.
Save and continue later
Clear entries
Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.
- Current and requested names
- Reason and evidence
- Lawyer and costs
- Certificates, authority, other parent
- Notice and response
- Decision, registration and appeal
Contact with a lawyer
You can use the chat and information without a phone number. A contact request requires a phone number, a verified email address and your wish for telephone contact. Our team assesses which partner fits your question. Data is shared only under the stated consent procedure. A partner or engagement is not guaranteed.
View the current application processSources
Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
Rechtspraak · Voornaam wijzigen ↗Rechtspraak · Procedure voornaam wijzigen ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.