Deciding to change your name is a significant step and can become necessary for various reasons – be it marriage, divorce, adoption, or personal circumstances. However, a name change often involves bureaucratic hurdles, especially when official documents are in multiple languages. This blog post will tell you everything you need to know about changing your name and the required certified translation.
Why a name change?
There are many reasons why someone might want or need to change their name:
- Marriage or divorce : People often change their last name after a wedding or divorce.
- Adoption : Adopted children often take the surname of their adoptive parents.
- Gender reassignment : People undergoing gender reassignment often change their name to reflect their new identity.
- Personal reasons : Sometimes people want to change their name for various personal or cultural reasons.
The legal basis
Name changes in Germany are subject to strict legal regulations. The Name Change Act (NamÄndG) and the German Civil Code (BGB) define the framework. The following steps are generally necessary:
- Application process : An application for a name change must be submitted to the relevant authority, usually the registry office.
- Justification : The application must be well-founded, especially in the case of a change for personal reasons.
- Review : The authority reviews the application and the justification.
- Decision : After review, a decision will be made on the application. If the decision is positive, the name change will be entered in the civil registry.
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Certified translation: When is it necessary?
A certified translation is required if official documents proving a name change are in another language. This is particularly the case with:
- International marriages or divorces : When a wedding or divorce has taken place abroad and the documents are in a foreign language.
- Adoptions abroad : In the case of adoptions abroad, the relevant documents often need to be translated and certified.
- Foreign birth certificates : If the birth certificate is in another language and must be submitted for a name change.
What is a certified translation?
A certified translation is a translation prepared by a sworn or certified translator. These translators are specifically qualified and authorized to produce translations of documents that may be used in court or before government agencies. A certified translation is stamped and signed by the translator, confirming the accuracy and completeness of the translation.
Step-by-step instructions for ordering a certified translation
- Select document type : Choose your document type from the menu.
- Select language combination : In this step you select your source and target languages.
- Scan documents : Scan your name change document that you would like translated.
- Check page count : Specify the number of pages to be translated.
- Complete your order : You will receive the certified translation by mail and digitally.
Tips and advice
- Plan ahead : A name change and the associated certified translation can take time. Therefore, plan well in advance.
- Document security : Make sure you always make copies of your original documents and certified translations and keep them safe.
- Updates : Inform all relevant parties about your name change, including banks, insurance companies, employers, and other important institutions.
Conclusion
Changing your name is a significant step that should be well thought out and prepared. Certified translations of documents play a crucial role, especially when international documents are involved. At Betreuigung24, you'll find professional support to make this process smooth and stress-free.
