The steps you must take into account to change your name or surname in Colombia

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Friday, January 14, 2022

This change is supported by the right to the free development of the personality of minors and of legal age

The National Registry of Civil Status published the most registered names during the past year.In this way, biblical names, such as José, had 2.3 million records.María, Ana and Sara are the most commonly used female names in Colombia, while Emiliano, Maximiliano and Emmanuel were more frequent for the male gender.

However, the entity also reported unusual names, such as John Crazy, Messi Andrés E, inclusive, names of artists, such as J Balvin or Shakira.Given the difficulties that "rare" names can generate, it should be noted that, in Colombia, it is possible to change the name and surname, and can be done only once after the age of majority.According to Jorge Peralta, director of Peralta and Associates, minors can access the process under certain causes.

It is important to establish that this change is supported by the right to free personality development.When a minor is recognized for adoption, one of the legal effects is the change of name and/or surname.

There will also be room for change when there is a challenge or recognition of paternity."There is an exceptional case, managed by the Constitutional Court, which dictates that a minor, over 14 years, can change the name and surname for gender identity issues," said Peralta.

Adults are also protected by the development of free personality, and if their name or surname does not identify them, they will be able to do the change process.An additional point has to do with collaboration with justice.If a person agrees to a government reward when delivering to a criminal, he can access the name change and/or surname to protect themselves.Similarly, gender identity is also a recurring matter for this change.

The process

The lawyer Jimmy Jiménez, director of Integrity Legal, recalled what are the key requirements for the change of name in Colombia.First, the person must go to the notary where the Civil Registry of Birth rests and an authentic copy of the document must be requested.

Then, the application is filed in the corresponding notary, in order for the name change to be elevated to public deed.

Once the deed is issued, the original registration will be modified and the rectification of the card in the Registry must be made.In the entity, "they demand that the new Civil Registry of birth be delivered, three 4x5 -bottomed color photographs, copy of the writing, know the RH and blood group and carry out the bank consignment for the value of the procedure," explained the attorney.

The contrasts

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