As an expert in law enforcement, the law firm “Kolibanekova & Partners” defends the rights and interests of its clients with unparalleled professionalism. Led by a good family law attorney, our team is committed to in-depth research and presentation of complex topics that affect an individual's privacy and identity. Among them is the process of changing the name - an action that can be carried out for various reasons and procedures, including after a divorce, in the presence of an error or at the request of the plaintiff in the presence of important circumstances.
“How to apply for a change of name”, “Can I use a sample application for a change of name”, “How much does a name change cost in Bulgaria?”, “documents when changing a name” and “application for a change of name” are just the beginning of the topics that we will consider in detail. The change of name by administrative order highlights questions about the possibilities and limitations that the law provides for in Bulgaria. Situations such as changing a name after a divorce, changing a child's name, and changing a child's father and surname indicate the personal attitude to identity and the legal procedures for changing it.
The legislation provides for the possibility of changing the name when it somehow ridicules the person or is considered socially unacceptable. We also look at specific situations, such as changing names from Bulgarian to Turkish and vice versa, and how this reflects the identity of the individual in modern society.
Kolibanekova & Partners Law Firm strives to provide comprehensive information and support to its clients throughout the name change process, relying on a personal approach and a deep understanding of individual needs and circumstances. The process is an example of how a subjective desire for change can be transformed into a formal procedure in which right and personal will meet to create a new identity.
In the following sections of our article, we will dive into depth and in relation to the issues of drafting a declaration of change of surname, financial aspects, legal challenges and moral issues that accompany this important life choice.
The rules governing the change of name and naming of Bulgarian citizens are carefully outlined in the Civil Registration Act. These rules govern the process from the moment of birth to any changes in the person's name later in life, including situations of adoption or name change at the individual's request.
At the birth of a child, the first name is chosen by the parents and reported to the civil status officer. In the event that the parents do not agree on the name, the official enters in the birth certificate only one of the names proposed by them. If the parents do not indicate a name, the official only assigns a suitable name. It is important to note that if the chosen name is considered mocking, disgraceful, socially unacceptable or incompatible with national honor, the official has the right to refuse to enter it.
The patronymic of each person is formed from the father's own name with the suffix -ov or -ev, taking into account family, ethnic or religious traditions. The surname, on the other hand, follows similar rules and is determined when entering into a civil marriage according to the Family Code. Children from the same parents bear the same surname, and those famous in society with a nickname can, by a court decision, add the nickname to their name.
In the case of adoption, the first name of the child is determined by the court, taking into account the desire of the adoptive parents and, in the presence of consent, the child himself, if he is over 14 years old. In complete adoption, the patronymic and surname are determined according to the name of the adoptive parent, while in incomplete adoption, there is the possibility of change by court decision.
These rules provide structure and clarity regarding the naming and renaming process, protecting individual and social interests while respecting family, cultural and ethnic traditions in Bulgaria.
The procedure for changing a name in Bulgaria is a regulated procedure that begins with the submission of a written application to the relevant district court. This process is provided for both adults and minors, for the latter the consent of parents or guardians is required. According to Art. 19 of the Civil Registration Act, the court may allow a change of one's own, patronymic or surname when the name is ridiculed, disgraceful, socially unacceptable, or when important circumstances require such a change.
For the initiation of the case for change of name, payment of a state fee in the amount of BGN 15 is required, and for obtaining a copy of the decision - an additional BGN 10. It is important to know that in the process of proving the grounds for changing the name, all means of proof provided for in the civil process are admissible, including written evidence and witness testimony. Sometimes a criminal record is also attached to the application to show that the requested change is not an attempt to evade justice.
The procedure takes place in an open court hearing, with the summoning of the applicant, the interested parties and also the prosecutor. Also important for establishing the facts are the organisations or bodies that could provide or confirm the necessary documents or information relating to the request for a change of name.
The court conducts a thorough analysis of the grounds for the request and takes into account whether the name corresponds to public standards and traditions. The court decision in the name change case does not have the force of an awarded thing, which means that a new application for a change of name can be filed regardless of the outcome of the previous request.
Thus, the name change procedure is a protective judicial procedure aimed at protecting the personal identity and dignity of citizens, while providing judicial control and safeguards against possible abuses.
After considering all the evidence and arguments presented, the court issues a decision that CANNOT be appealed. The decision to change the name takes effect as soon as it becomes final and should be entered in the relevant civil status registers. This procedure provides a legal framework that protects both public interests and the right of the individual to protect his or her personal identity and dignity.
Changing a surname after a divorce or in a civil marriage is a common case in the practice of a law firm. This process is regulated in the Family Code and the Civil Registration Act, providing an opportunity for individuals to restore their maiden name or adopt a new surname depending on the gathered circumstances and personal preferences.
Often after a divorce, one of the spouses wishes to give up the surname that he adopted during the marriage. Such cases are regulated in Art. 49 of the Family Code, which allows the spouse/spouse to return his former surname. The procedure for returning to the maiden or former surname is carried out by submitting an application to a court or the local civil registration office, depending on the specific regulations.
In cases of a civil marriage, there is often a desire to change the surname to reflect the newly created family unity. Art. 135 of the Civil Registration Law provides for the possibility for a person to add the surname of his spouse/wife to his own, forming a composite surname. However, in the long run, wearing a surname “with a dash” can cause administrative inconveniences, which is why some clients choose to unify their surnames.
When adopting, Art. 59 of the Family Code allows adoptive parents to determine the first, paternal and last names of the adopted child, and this change should be approved by the court. Important is the consent of the child if he has reached the age of 14, especially with full adoption. In the event of termination of the adoption, the name of the adopted person may be restored to its previous name, unless the court decides otherwise by way of exception.
After the court grants the request to change the name, the person must renew his personal documents within the time limit set by law. A copy of the court decision shall be sent by the court to the General Directorate for Civil Registration and Administrative Services for entry in the registers and to the relevant Criminal Investigation Bureau.
A name change is a procedure that allows individuals to rethink and reform their identity in relation to significant life events. It is possible thanks to the detailed mechanisms in Bulgarian legislation aimed at protecting both the personal interests of citizens and public order.
Yes, after a divorce, you have the right to return your maiden name. In the case of a court decision on the dissolution of the marriage, in the column “Notes” of the act of civil marriage, the number of the case in which the decision was given, the date on which it came into force and the name of the court that decided it shall be entered. If the decision indicates that the spouse restores his surname before this marriage, in the column “Notes” the surname of the person before the marriage is recorded.
The unification of surnames in the family can be done by submitting an application for a change of name to the competent district court at the permanent address. The application must state the reasons for the desired change, supported by relevant evidence. If the court considers that the request is justified and was not made for the purpose of evading justice, it will issue a decision to change the name. This usually happens when there is a desire to strengthen family identity or when there is practical inconvenience from the different surnames.
calling a nickname to your official name is possible, but a court decision is required for this. You must file an application with the court in which you justify why you want to add a nickname to your name. It is important to emphasize that the court will take into account whether this addition is not misleading or contrary to public norms and rules.
Once the court decision to change your name takes effect, you will have to change all your official documents, such as your ID card, passport, driving license, renew your details at the banks serving you and other documents that contain your old name. The court notifies the civil registry office and, if applicable, other state and local authorities about the change of your name. This facilitates the process of updating your personal status in different institutions.
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