If you wish to change your last name outside the provisions of civil law (i.e., not in connection with marriage or divorce, for example), you must apply to the appropriate authority for a name change under public law.

You can change your name

• if there is a valid reason
• if you have completed an application

What is a valid reason?

There are many reasons.

For example, if:

• You have a funny name.
  Others make fun of it.
• You have a long name.
  It’s hard to spell.
  It’s hard to pronounce.
• You have a foreign name.
  From another country.
• The child’s name is to be changed.
  Because the mother has a new name.

There are many other reasons as well.

This is only possible once the child turns 18.

Check with the relevant office.