Changing Your Full Name in the Philippines

How can I change my full name, including my given name and surname, in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, changing one’s full name, including both the given name and surname, is a legal process that requires court approval. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to legally change your full name.

Legal Basis for Name Change

The change of name is governed by Republic Act No. 9048, as amended by Republic Act No. 10172, and the Rules of Court. These laws and regulations provide the grounds and procedures for changing one’s name.

Grounds for Changing Name

The law allows for the change of name under the following grounds:

1. When the name is ridiculous, tainted with dishonor, or extremely difficult to write or pronounce.
2. When the name has been commonly or habitually used and the petitioner has been known by that name in the community.
3. When the change will avoid confusion.
4. When the name is a mistake or an error in the civil registry.
5. When the name is inappropriately gendered.
6. Any other reasonable ground acceptable to the court.

Steps to Change Your Full Name

1. Prepare the Petition for Change of Name

   • The petition must be in writing, signed, and verified by the petitioner.
   • It should include the full name of the petitioner, the desired new name, the reasons for the change, and any other relevant details.

2. File the Petition in the Regional Trial Court (RTC)

   • The petition should be filed in the RTC of the city or municipality where the petitioner resides.
   • Pay the corresponding filing fees.

3. Publication Requirement

   • The court will require the publication of the petition in a newspaper of general circulation once a week for three consecutive weeks.
   • The publication is necessary to inform the public and give any interested parties the opportunity to oppose the petition.

4. Court Hearing

   • The court will set a hearing date, during which the petitioner must present evidence and witnesses to support the petition.
   • The petitioner must prove the necessity and reasonableness of the name change.

5. Court Decision

   • If the court is satisfied with the evidence presented, it will issue a decision granting the change of name.
   • The court order will then be registered with the local civil registry office where the petitioner’s birth was registered.

6. Updating Records

   • With the court order, the petitioner must update all legal documents and records, including the birth certificate, identification cards, bank records, and other pertinent documents.

Considerations and Limitations

• Middle Name: While changing the given name and surname is possible, the middle name typically remains unchanged as it is derived from the mother’s maiden name.
• Legal Implications: Changing one’s name has legal implications on existing legal documents and records. It is important to update all pertinent records to reflect the name change.
• Opposition: Interested parties may file an opposition to the petition. The court will consider such oppositions and make a decision based on the merits of the case.

Conclusion

Changing your full name in the Philippines involves a legal process that requires filing a petition in the Regional Trial Court, publication of the petition, and a court hearing. The process is governed by specific laws and requires valid grounds for the change. Once approved, the petitioner must update all legal documents and records to reflect the new name. It is advisable to seek legal assistance to ensure compliance with all procedural requirements and to navigate the legal complexities of the name change process.