Name Usage in Marriage in Rotterdam
In Rotterdam, you can freely choose how to use your surname when getting married. By default, you keep your own name, but options include adopting your partner's surname, using a double name, or other combinations. Family law provides this flexibility, allowing Rotterdam residents to maintain or merge their identities. This article highlights the rules, choices, and tips for name usage in marriage specifically for residents of Rotterdam, focusing on local procedures at the Municipality of Rotterdam.
What Does Name Usage in Marriage Mean in Rotterdam?
Name usage in marriage describes how partners in Rotterdam handle surnames after their wedding. The Netherlands follows the principle of individual naming: you automatically retain your own surname without any obligation to take your partner's. This differs from older traditions elsewhere, where the woman often adopted the man's name. The law offers freedom based on personal, cultural, or practical considerations. In Rotterdam, you arrange this at the civil registry of the Municipality of Rotterdam. After the ceremony, you can change your name, but it's optional. This builds on our overview of name change after marriage, emphasizing choices during the ceremony in Rotterdam.
Legal Rules for Rotterdam Residents
The foundation for name usage in marriage is found in Book 1 of the Civil Code (BW), particularly the provisions on family names. Article 1:9 of the Civil Code determines the surname for married individuals and partners. Partners keep their own name unless they decide otherwise at the marriage. Key articles include:
- Article 1:10 of the Civil Code: You may choose your partner's surname as your own family name.
- Article 1:11 of the Civil Code: A double family name is possible by combining surnames (for example, Jansen-Van Dijk).
- Article 1:12 of the Civil Code: For children, the parental name applies, but parents decide themselves.
These rules promote equality and prevent gender discrimination. Since the Individualization of Family Name Act in 1998, autonomy has increased. For international couples in Rotterdam, the Hague Convention on Names (1980) plays a role, which the Netherlands recognizes. If you marry abroad, register the name change with the Municipality of Rotterdam for Dutch recognition. For advice on complex cases, contact the Rotterdam Legal Aid Office.
Choices for Name Usage in a Rotterdam Marriage
During the marriage ceremony in Rotterdam, you declare your preference to the civil registrar. The options are extensive and can vary per partner. Overview:
| Option | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Keep your own surname | You use your birth name without any changes. | Anna de Vries remains Anna de Vries after marrying Tom Jansen in Rotterdam. |
| Adopt your partner's surname | You fully take on your partner's name. | Anna de Vries becomes Anna Jansen. |
| Double surname | Combine both names, with or without a hyphen. | Anna de Vries and Tom Jansen both choose De Vries-Jansen. |
| Addition before or after | Attach a name to your own surname. | Tom Jansen becomes Tom Jansen-de Vries. |
Joint decisions, such as a double name, require both parties' agreement. Registered partners follow the same rules (Article 1:80a of the Civil Code). After the marriage in Rotterdam, changes are not straightforward; you must apply for a procedure at the Rotterdam Court (see name change procedure).
Rights and Obligations Regarding Name Usage in Rotterdam
In Rotterdam, you have the right to free name choice, as long as it's not fraudulent. Obligations include: notifying the civil registry and updating documents such as your passport and driver's license at the Municipality of Rotterdam. A double name involves extra administration with authorities.
- Privacy rights: Your choice remains private, except in the marriage certificate.
- Obligation for consistency: Apply the name in contracts, banks, and at work.
- Right to correction: Correct errors in registration at the Municipality of Rotterdam.
For children born after the marriage, the family name is chosen at registration (Article 1:5 of the Civil Code), which strengthens family ties. The Rotterdam Legal Aid Office can assist with questions about local application.
Examples from Rotterdam Practice
Take Lisa Bakker and Mark Smit, who marry at Rotterdam City Hall. Lisa, a local businesswoman, keeps 'Bakker' for her professional network. Mark chooses the same, but for their children, they select Bakker-Smit. Afterward, Lisa renews her passport at the Municipality of Rotterdam for €10 and a wait of several weeks.
In an international case, Juan Garcia (Spanish) marries Sophie van der Linden (from Rotterdam) here. They keep their own names, but Juan arranges an apostille for Spanish matters. This illustrates the cross-border aspects of name usage in marriage for Rotterdam residents.
Or if regret occurs: After five years of marriage, a partner wants to change their name. This requires an application to the Rotterdam Court, with evidence of changed circumstances, and can take time.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.