What’s in a name?

By Winnie Chow, Collaborative Practitioner, Partner of CRB

Our name is the most important thing that is bestowed upon us from the moment we are born. It is a fundamental part of our identity. It defines us as a person, with our family, friends and society.

Yet, as with many things in life, things change. That can include our name. There can be a myriad of reasons as to why that needs to be, because of a change in personal circumstances - following a divorce, changes in personal growth, a change of mind, or as a result of the Hong Kong birth registry automatically assuming a child would adopt the father's surname if the parents were married.

To implement a change in your name, you can do so by way of a Deed Poll.

If you are an adult, you can execute this yourself. If it is for a child, then those with parental rights will need to agree the change in advance, and execute the document on the child's behalf. If there is no agreement, then a court order will be required as neither parent can unilaterally change a child’s name.

For more information about changing your name, please contact the team at CRB.

This publication is general in nature and is not intended to constitute legal advice. You should seek professional advice before taking any action in relation to the matters dealt with above.

CRB is a Family Law Firm practicing in areas of divorce, children, nuptial agreements, collaborative practice and mediation in Hong Kong.

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