Changing the child's first and/or last name

In accordance with Art. 64 of the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Marriage (Matrimony) and Family”, the surname of a minor child changes when both parents change their surname.

Upon a joint application of the parents, before the child reaches the age of sixteen, the registration authority, based on the interests of the child, allows changing the child’s name, as well as the surname assigned to him, to the surname of the other parent.

In the event of termination of the marriage (matrimony) or recognition of the marriage (matrimony) as invalid, the child retains the surname received at birth.

If the parents live separately, regardless of the state registration of divorce (matrimony), or paternity has been established in relation to the child and the parent with whom the child lives wants to assign his surname to him or change the surname after the name of the child’s father or grandfather on both the father’s and mother’s side taking into account national traditions, the registering authority, depending on the interests of the child and taking into account the opinion of the other parent, formalized by a notary, makes changes to the act record of the state registration of the child’s birth.

Taking into account the parent’s opinion is not necessary if it is impossible to establish his whereabouts, his parental rights are deprived or limited, he is declared incompetent, as well as in cases where the parent evades the maintenance and upbringing of the child without good reason.

If a child is born from persons who are not married to each other, and paternity has not been legally established, the registering authority, based on the interests of the child, allows changing his surname to the surname of the mother, which she bears at the time of making such a request.

Changing the name and (or) surname of a child who has reached the age of ten years is carried out only with his consent, obtained in the presence of legal representatives.