First name change after adoption

Common situations after adoption

Returning to the birth name

Some adoptees wish to return to the name they had at birth, before the adoption took place, once they reach adulthood. This may be related to restoring the connection with the biological family, cultural background, or country of origin.

Relevant factors for this request include the personal significance of the birth name, the duration of the period since that name was used, and the way in which the name change contributes to the restoration of identity.

Name associated with a harmful adoptive or foster parent

When the name given at adoption is associated with an adoptive or foster parent with whom a difficult relationship existed, this can provide a compelling reason for a change. This scenario partially overlaps with the situations described on our page first name change due to a poor relationship with the name giver, but has its own context due to the adoption relationship.

The court weighs the nature and duration of the difficult relationship, the psychological burden of the name, and the extent to which the name maintains that burden.

Restoration of cultural identity

In international adoptions, the name from the country of origin is sometimes replaced by a Dutch name, or vice versa. In adulthood, a person may wish to restore the original name as part of the connection to their cultural or family background. This is a recognized ground for a first name change, provided the personal significance is sufficiently substantiated.

Registration error in foreign adoption

In adoptions from abroad, names are sometimes incorrectly transcribed when registered in the Dutch records. This is a separate ground that is closer to the correction of a registration error. Depending on the situation, this can be resolved through the civil registry or the court. See also our page spelling error or error in birth registration.

Name given by a foster parent without a valid legal basis

In some cases, a name has been changed by a foster parent or guardian without the required court authorization. In such cases, restoration of the original name may be requested. This requires a careful assessment of the legal situation surrounding the naming.

First name change for an adopted child

When the request concerns a minor adopted child, additional legal considerations apply.

• The request is primarily assessed based on the best interests of the child.
• The child’s own wishes are taken into account for older children; children aged 8 and over may be invited by the judge to express their opinion.
• If both adoptive parents file the request, the legal proceedings are simpler than if only one parent files the request.
• In the case of a foreign adoption, additional documents may be required, such as the foreign birth certificate or the adoption order.

You can read more about the legal proceedings for minors on our child first name change page.

How do the legal proceedings work?

1. Assessment of the situation
   Simmelink Lawyers discusses the adoption context, the reason for the desired name change, and what documentation is available, such as the adoption order, the original birth certificate, or other relevant documents.
2. Drafting the petition
   The petition describes the adoption circumstances, the personal grounds for the change, and the compelling reason. In the case of restoring a birth name or cultural identity, the significance of the name to the petitioner is explained.
3. Filing with the court
   The lawyer files the request. In most cases, it is settled without a hearing. If the judge deems an oral hearing necessary, the lawyer will guide you through it.
4. Order and registration
   After approval, the change is added to the birth certificate as a subsequent entry. After the three-month appeal period has expired, the change takes effect, and the passport, BRP (Personal Records Database), and other documents can be updated.

Practical examples

Restoration of the name from the country of origin

In one case, a client had been adopted from abroad as a child and given a Dutch name upon adoption. As an adult, the client wanted to restore the original name as part of the connection to the country of origin and the biological family. The petition was substantiated by the personal significance of the name and the relationship with the cultural background.

Name associated with a harmful foster parent

In one case, a client’s first name had been changed by a foster parent during a period of severe neglect. The client wanted to restore his original name as part of moving on from that period. The petition described the circumstances surrounding the name change and the personal burden of the current name.

Registration error in international adoption

In an international adoption, the child’s name was incorrectly transcribed when registered in the Dutch records. The name differed from what was stated in the foreign adoption documents. Based on the original documents from the country of origin, the request for correction was substantiated and filed with the court.

Content verified by the team at Simmelink Lawyers, specialized in name law and family law.

Duration and costs

• The legal proceedings take an average of up to six months from filing with the court.
• The court fee is EUR 341 for all courts in the Netherlands.
• The fixed legal fee of Simmelink Lawyers is EUR 619. You can read more about the cost structure on our first name change costs page.

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