Surname Change of child - Redefinition of the birth name in the case of joint custody established later

If you share joint custody of a child only after birth, you can redefine the child's surname.

You can redefine the name of your child if you do not establish joint custody with the other parent until after birth. The mother's surname or the father's surname may be considered. The time limit for the new determination of the name shall in principle expire three months after the joint custody has been established.

Please contact the registry office.

• Birth certificate child (possibly with official translation)
• Identity cards or passports
• marriage certificate or
• Proof of custody

In individual cases, further documents may be required. You can inquire about this at the registry office.

• The child already has a name
• The joint care of the parents is justified only in retrospect (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 was not more than three months ago (exception: if one of the parents does not have his or her habitual residence in Germany when joint custody is established; then the period does not expire before the expiry of one month after returning to Germany)

You can submit the declaration of the name change at any registry office. The declaration becomes effective as soon as it arrives at the registry office that keeps the birth register entry for your child.
 
Upon request, you will receive a certificate of the name change.
 
The marriage register and the birth register are updated.

The redefinition of the birth name must take place within 3 months of the establishment of joint custody of the child.

Fees of 23.50 euros are charged for the certification of the declaration, unless the municipality has set a different fee by statute.

If you or your spouse or child do not speak german, you will need to use an interpreter at your own expense.