Name Change Through the Courts in Bulgaria

Under Article 19(1) of the Bulgarian Civil Registration Act, a person may apply in writing to change their given name, patronymic or surname. The court may grant the application if the name exposes the person to ridicule or disgrace, is socially unacceptable, or if important circumstances make the change necessary.

What counts as an important circumstance?

The Act does not list every circumstance that can justify a change. The court considers how the applicant’s name affects their personal and social life. The question is whether the evidence shows that keeping the particular part of the name they wish to change causes difficulty or is inappropriate in their circumstances.

Which court hears the application?

The right to a name is personal and cannot be transferred. A change must meet the statutory requirements and follow the procedure in the Bulgarian Code of Civil Procedure. The applicant files a written application with the district court (rayonen sad) for their permanent address. The application should identify the current name, the change sought and the reasons for it. The municipality and the public prosecutor may give their views in the proceedings.

How can the applicant prove their case?

The court can consider both documents and witness testimony. For example, a witness can explain which name they know the applicant by and what difficulties arise when the registered name is used. The court assesses the facts of the individual case in light of the statutory grounds, public morals and relevant naming customs.

The decision, appeal and registration

Under Article 537(1) of the Bulgarian Code of Civil Procedure, a decision granting the application is not subject to appeal. If the court refuses the change, the applicant may appeal the refusal to the regional court (okrazhen sad) within one week of service of the decision (Article 538(1)).

Once a decision granting the change becomes final, the court sends a copy to the civil registrar at the competent municipality. The change is then recorded in the birth record and the population register.

For advice on a name change, family relationships, legal parentage, adoption or children’s rights, contact Tomovi Law Firm in Varna. Call +359 888 246 119 for a consultation.