{"id":36279,"date":"2026-03-17T19:11:31","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T18:11:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/firstname-change\/religieuze-bekering\/"},"modified":"2026-03-17T19:11:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T18:11:35","slug":"religieuze-bekering","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/religieuze-bekering\/","title":{"rendered":"First name change for religious conversion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"s-section\">\n<div class=\"s-section-wrapper .s-stack-2xl\">\n<div class=\"s-section-main\">\n<div class=\"s-tldr-block wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"s-content-block-narrow gb-element-91be6667\">\n<p class=\"gb-text gb-text-91da06c0\">In brief<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>First name change for religious conversion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Religious conversion is recognized as a <strong>weighty reason<\/strong> to change your first name.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A lawyer is mandatory: the legal proceedings take place through the court.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The new name must be appropriate, non-offensive, and not confusing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consistent use of your new name helps your request.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Legal proceedings usually take <strong>a maximum of 6 months<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After approval, your name is updated in the <strong>BRP<\/strong> (Personal Records Database), birth certificate, and official documents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simmelink Lawyers guides you step-by-step, discreetly and personally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-btn-group gb-element-7313c4f1\">\n<a class=\"gb-text s-btn-primary s-btn--small\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/forms\/first-name-change-feasibility-check\/?src=voornaam-kind&#038;cta=top\">Complete the feasibility check<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text\">Free and without obligations<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-104373c3 wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio s-content-block\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>Why people change their first name after religious conversion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Religious conversion is often accompanied by a new phase in life, new rituals, and a new identity. For many clients, the first name plays an important role in this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common reasons we see in practice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The current first name no longer feels appropriate or authentic<br\/>Conversion often creates a need for a name that better aligns with the new spirituality or religious practice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Desire for a religious or symbolic name<br\/>For example, Arabic, Hebrew, Christian, Sanskrit, or other religious names.<br\/>Practical and social reasons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The new first name is already structurally used within the religious community.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The current name is undesirable or uncomfortable within the faith<br\/>Because the meaning, sound, or origin no longer aligns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Start of a new life phase. Religious conversion marks a profound personal change for many clients.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We ensure that the request to the court reflects these motivations in a nuanced and legally correct manner.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-text s-content-block\"><strong><strong>Is religious conversion accepted by the judge?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Judges often recognize religious reasons as a <strong>weighty ground<\/strong>, especially when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the choice for the new name clearly stems from the religious conversion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the name is already being used within the community<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the request is a logical part of the religious practice or identity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the new name is not inappropriate or confusing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The judge makes a balancing of interests:<br\/><strong>is the new name in your interest, and does it pose no problems for society?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a well-drafted petition, approval is achievable in most cases.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-text s-content-block\">How the legal proceedings work: step-by-step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Changing a first name for religious reasons involves formal legal proceedings at the court. We guide you through every step. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading s-fs-h5\">1. Intake and approach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the first meeting, we discuss:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>your religious conversion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the role of the new name<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>how you use the new name<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>what is important to you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>evidence that can help (community statements, use in religious context)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You will receive a clear assessment of the feasibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading s-fs-h5\">2. Collecting documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We help you collect all necessary documents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>indications that you are already using the new name<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>recent birth certificate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BRP extract<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>proof of identity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>substantiation of your conversion (optional but valuable)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading s-fs-h5\">3. Drafting the petition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your lawyer drafts a legally strong petition. In this, we explain: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>what your religious conversion entails<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>why your new first name is necessary or appropriate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>what meaning the new name has<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>how you are already using the new name<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>why the change is in your interest<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the most important document in the legal proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading s-fs-h5\">4. Submission to the court<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We submit the request to the court. In most cases, you do not need to appear when the judge handles the matter. If an oral hearing does take place, both you and we will speak with the judge.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading s-fs-h5\">5. Court ruling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The court often makes a decision within <strong>6\u201312 weeks<\/strong>.<br\/>Upon approval, the new first name is officially registered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading s-fs-h5\">6. Registration in the BRP, passport, and your documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After approval, you must take the following steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>change in the BRP<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>application for a new passport<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>application for a new ID card<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>adjustment with employer, health insurer, educational institutions, and other agencies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We ensure you know exactly which steps to take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Would you like a full overview of the legal proceedings, legal conditions, and costs? Then view our extensive page <em><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"12780\">First name change<\/a><\/em>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-text s-content-block\">When is a religious name change NOT permitted?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your request may be denied when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the new name is confusing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the name is offensive or socially undesirable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the name is seen as a surname<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the interest is insufficiently substantiated<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We ensure that the request meets the legal conditions and that any points of doubt are clarified in advance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-text s-content-block\">Duration and costs of the legal proceedings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We can accurately predict the exact duration and costs based on our extensive experience. In most cases: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The legal proceedings take an average of <strong>2\u20133 months<\/strong> from the submission of the request.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You pay a fixed <strong>court fee<\/strong> to the court; in the Netherlands, this is EUR 331 for all courts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For our work, we operate with a <strong>clear cost estimate in advance<\/strong>; the standard fee is EUR 619.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Read the detailed explanation of how the <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/costs-first-name-change\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"26368\">costs are structured<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3bff3476 wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio s-content-block\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-e3512ed6\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-be01f57b gb-headline-text\">Request a legal assessment<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text gb-text-15af73ce\">For situations with doubt or complexity. Our lawyers and attorneys provide a personal assessment of your request, including opportunities, risks, and points of attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-grid-2 gb-element-1609d05a\">\n<div>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-base-200-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30fa5336f8ea391e0c7b5f5535c2697b\">\n<li class=\"has-brand-1-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-80b270d0c94eff542bdf6ed32026592b\" style=\"font-size:0.8rem\">Assessment by specialist<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-brand-1-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e9bf8501b7aa1d65f7eb61e0c13bda31\" style=\"font-size:0.8rem\">Oral feedback<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-brand-1-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-789e8c3b6354a4eedf8f457cc45bc02a\" style=\"font-size:0.8rem\">Helps determine the right next step<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div>\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-bc7ee20c gb-button-text s-btn-primary sim-button sim-button-action\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/forms\/first-name-change-feasibility-check\/?src=voornaam&#038;cta=inline\">Request an assessment<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text gb-text-714d31c7\">Personal response within 1 working day<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block s-content-block--filled\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Based on Real Cases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading s-fs-h5\">First name change after conversion to Islam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A client had converted and had been using a new name within his religious community for years. The old name felt alienating and led to tension during religious activities.<br\/>We substantiated his request with statements from the imam and proof of consistent use.<br\/>The judge granted the request due to the clear personal interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading s-fs-h5\">Christian conversion \u2013 new biblical first name<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A client had been baptized as an adult and wanted a biblical name that held significant spiritual meaning for her.<br\/>The judge found the request logical, lasting, and carefully substantiated, and granted the change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading s-fs-h5\">Minor \u2013 parents disagree after religious conversion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Upon the conversion of one parent, a disagreement arose regarding the child&#8217;s first name.<br\/>We applied for substitute consent. The judge looked at the best interests of the child, stability, and identity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first name change was partially granted, retaining the original first name and adding a religious middle name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(Specific names and details have been anonymized; in our files, the best interests and protection of the child are central.)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-be249d49 s-margin-vert-xl s-content-block\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-bfdf1120 gb-headline-text gbp-section__headline\">Frequently asked questions about changing first names for children<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-1e85dbd5 gb-accordion\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d1310856 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-19f7b745 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-19f7b745\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong>Is religious conversion a valid reason for a first name change?<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-52e77243\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-52e77243\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-b299caa3 gb-headline-text\">Yes, provided it is well-substantiated.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3600de9f gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-ba8b12fe gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-ba8b12fe\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong>Is a statement from an imam, minister, or religious community necessary?<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-54bea308\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-54bea308\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-784447a0 gb-headline-text\">Not mandatory, but certainly valuable.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-fc394c18 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-8dd43315 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-8dd43315\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong>Can I combine this with an X in my passport?<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-d545942c\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d545942c\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-c9e904f9 gb-headline-text\">Yes, many clients do so. See <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/x-in-paspoort-aanvragen\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"28760\">Applying for X in passport<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-6a91efb1 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-3fa10d16 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-3fa10d16\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong>Which documents do I need?<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-badb14f3\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-badb14f3\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-bafe289d gb-headline-text\">Birth certificate, BRP extract, ID, and motivation.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-73403608 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-24e754e4 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-24e754e4\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong>Where can I find the general explanation about first name changes?<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-e6e0ac3c\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-e6e0ac3c\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-856a231a gb-headline-text\">In addition to this information, would you like to read the general overview of the legal proceedings, conditions, and costs?<br>Then view our extensive page <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"12780\">First name change<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block s-content-block--filled gb-element-e397a080\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-5820f11a gb-headline-text\">Who are our Attorneys and Mediators<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>During the handling of the first name change, you will be guided by a lawyer with experience in name law and custody matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-margin-vert-l\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3bd256ba\">\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-5dcdaabb gb-query-loop-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-23938 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/carla-simmelink\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Carla Simmelink\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/carla-simmelink\/\">Carla Simmelink &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-29865 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/valerie-lingg\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Valerie Lingg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/valerie-lingg\/\">Valerie Lingg &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-23939 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/eva-zaunbrecher-bosschlo\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Eva Zaunbrecher\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/eva-zaunbrecher-bosschlo\/\">Eva Zaunbrecher-Boschloo &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Lawyer at Law (International) Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-36349 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/sophia-sips\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Sophia Sips\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/sophia-sips\/\">Sophia Sips &#8211; Family Law Attorney<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9f3ea82c gb-headline-text\">Please provide the text you would like to have translated to English.<em>In a first name change based on religious conversion, identity, personal conviction, and legal diligence come together. Our task is to translate that choice clearly, respectfully, and in a structured way into a convincing request for the court. <\/em>Please provide the text you would like to have translated to English.<\/p>\n<cite>Mr. Carla Simmelink, lawyer<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-bddaa84d\">\n\n<div class=\"s-btn-group\">\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-c848a686 gb-button-text s-btn-secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/\">Meet Our Team<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-text s-content-block\">Why do clients choose Simmelink Lawyers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Expertise in name law and petition procedures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experience with religious name changes (Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, and other religions)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Careful, calm guidance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discreet and personal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Case building focused on conviction and approval<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also guidance for expats and Dutch nationals abroad<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We bring peace of mind and clarity to a procedure that is meaningful to you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-e35b293b wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio s-content-block\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3945255d\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-d8e81505 gb-headline-text\" id=\"haalbaarheidscheck\">Feasibility Check for your First Name Change<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7f166354\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-a76f6e9e\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-1dbb95f0\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-1dbb95f0\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-text\">Within one working day, you will receive an expert assessment of your request. This way, you quickly get clarity, peace of mind, and a plan \u2013 with the importance of religious conversion as the starting point.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-0712d0d3 s-btn-group\">\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-39b0fa65 gb-button-text s-btn-primary sim-button sim-button-action\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/forms\/first-name-change-feasibility-check\/?src=voornaam&#038;cta=bottom\">Feasibility check request<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-23750f4e gb-button-text s-btn-primary sim-button sim-button-action\" href=\"#plan-online-afspraak\">Schedule your online intake appointment yourself<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-d69b8d25\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d69b8d25\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Na het invullen van het contactformulier.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zpqB8WhTp5I?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-text\" id=\"plan-online-afspraak\">Schedule your Appointment for Changing your First Name Directly Below<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You choose a time that suits you. Scheduling takes only 1 minute. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div>\n<div class=\"calendly-inline-widget\" data-url=\"https:\/\/calendly.com\/simmelink-advocaten\/30min-intakegesprek-vnw?locale=nl&#038;hide_gdpr_banner=1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In brief First name change for religious conversion Complete the feasibility check Free and without obligations Why people change their first name after religious conversion Religious conversion is often accompanied by a new phase in life, new rituals, and a new identity. For many clients, the first name plays an important role in this. Common &#8230; <a title=\"First name change for religious conversion\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/religieuze-bekering\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about First name change for religious conversion\">Lees meer<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":27868,"parent":24912,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-36279","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"infinite-scroll-item","7":"resize-featured-image"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/36279","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36279"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/36279\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36280,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/36279\/revisions\/36280"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24912"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27868"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36279"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}