Yes, you can change your last name, even if you're an adult!

A recent ruling by a Family Court confirms something many people don't know: changing one's surname isn't "just for children." An adult can also request it when the surname on their documents doesn't reflect their identity, causes them emotional or social distress, or is linked to a history of abandonment and a lack of a real connection with one of their parents.

In the case at hand, the court heard the petition of a 37-year-old man who explained that he was raised without a genuine emotional bond with his father and that, in everyday life, he was socially recognized by his mother's surname (in his family and social life). The court reviewed documentation and technical reports and reaffirmed that a name and surname are part of a person's identity and dignity. Based on this, it authorized the change and ordered the Civil Registry to update the corresponding records so that the registered identity would match the lived identity. This is often especially useful if:

• You grew up with only one parental figure (due to abandonment or real absence of the other);

• You have been known for years by the surname of the primary caregiver (e.g., the maternal one);

• The surname you bear exposes you to stigmas, constant conflicts, or a direct impact on your personal and family life;

• He wants your documents to reflect your true story and identity.

If you feel that your surname tells a story that is not yours —or marks you with an absence that has accompanied you all your life—, this type of procedure can be the way to rebuild your registered identity with dignity.