Judgment of The Hague District Court of July 29, 2020

The petitioner has several first names, given by his father at birth. However, the petitioner’s parents separated shortly after his birth, and he never knew his biological father, who waived his visitation rights immediately after the divorce.

The petitioner’s biological father has since passed away. Following the divorce, his mother and her new partner chose to give the petitioner a different nickname, under which he has been living ever since. Wherever possible, the petitioner uses this name, and in fact, has been doing so all his life. The petitioner’s mother remarried, and at that time, the petitioner’s surname was changed to that of his stepfather. In recognition of the parental role his stepfather has played in his life, the petitioner wishes to honor him by adopting a name related to him. Additionally, the petitioner wants to formalize the nickname he has been using for many years. Thus, the petitioner seeks to make his nickname official and also to adopt a first name from his stepfather.

The court, considering the petitioner’s explanation, finds that he has a sufficiently significant interest in the request for a first name change. The court grants the request in writing, and no oral hearing was conducted.