Name Usage in Marriage in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, you can freely choose how to handle your surname when getting married. By default, you keep your own family name, but options include adopting your partner's name, creating a combined name, or other variations. Dutch family law provides this flexibility, allowing you to maintain your personal identity or merge it with your partner's. This article highlights the rules, choices, and tips for name usage in marriage in Amsterdam, focusing on local procedures at the Gemeente Amsterdam.
What Does Name Usage in Marriage Mean?
Name usage in marriage describes how spouses apply their surnames after getting married. In the Netherlands, the principle of individual name choice applies: you don't have to take your partner's name. This differs from practices in some other countries, where the wife traditionally adopts the husband's name. The law prioritizes freedom of choice, based on personal, cultural, or practical considerations. In Amsterdam, you can make this choice during the ceremony at the civil registry of the Gemeente Amsterdam. After the event, you can officially register any changes if desired, though it's optional. This piece builds on our overview of name change after marriage, emphasizing decisions made at the ceremony in the capital.
Legal Frameworks
The regulations for name usage in marriage are outlined in Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek, BW), particularly the provisions on family names. Article 1:9 BW determines the surname for married individuals and partners. It states that both parties retain their own surname unless they decide otherwise at the time of marriage. Key articles include:
- Article 1:10 BW: Options to choose your partner's surname as your own family name.
- Article 1:11 BW: Provisions for a double family name, by linking both surnames (for example, Jansen-Van Dijk).
- Article 1:12 BW: Rules for children; the parental surname influences the child's name, but choices are available.
These rules promote equality and prevent gender discrimination. Since the Individualization of Family Names Act in 1998, freedom has increased. For marriages with an international aspect, additional norms apply through the Hague Convention on the Law Applicable to Certain Rights in Respect of Matrimonial Property (1980), which the Netherlands follows. If you marry abroad, you may need to have the name change recognized by the Gemeente Amsterdam through additional steps.
Options for Name Usage in Marriage in Amsterdam
During the marriage ceremony in Amsterdam, you declare your preference to the civil registrar. The possibilities are extensive and can vary per person. Overview:
| Option | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Keep your own surname | You retain your original name; no changes needed. | Anna de Vries remains Anna de Vries after marrying Tom Jansen in Amsterdam. |
| Adopt your partner's surname | You fully take on your spouse's family name. | Anna de Vries becomes Anna Jansen. |
| Combined surname | A blend of both names, possibly with a hyphen. | Anna de Vries and Tom Jansen both choose De Vries-Jansen. |
| Addition before or after | One name is added to your own. | Tom Jansen becomes Tom Jansen-de Vries. |
For shared options, such as a double name, both partners must agree. Registered partnerships follow the same guidelines (Article 1:80a BW). Any later changes require a procedure at the Rechtbank Amsterdam (see name change procedure). The Juridisch Loket Amsterdam can provide advice on this.
Rights and Obligations in Name Usage
You can choose your name freely, as long as it doesn't involve misuse (such as for deception). Obligations include notifying the civil registry of your choice and updating documents like your passport and driver's license at the Gemeente Amsterdam. A double name may involve extra administration with authorities.
- Privacy rights: Your decision remains confidential, except in the marriage certificate.
- Obligation for consistency: Apply the name uniformly to contracts, banks, and workplaces.
- Right to correction: If there's an error in registration, request a fix at the Gemeente Amsterdam.
For children born after the marriage, they inherit the parental name, but you can choose at registration (Article 1:5 BW). This maintains family ties.
Practical Examples from Amsterdam
Take Lisa Bakker and Mark Smit, who marry at the Amsterdam city hall. Lisa, known professionally as Lisa Bakker, keeps her name. Mark does not, but for their children, they choose Bakker-Smit. Post-marriage, Lisa renews her passport at the Gemeente Amsterdam for €10 and a few weeks' wait.
In an international case: Juan Garcia (Spanish) and Sophie van der Linden (Amsterdam resident) marry locally. They both keep their names, but Juan arranges an apostille for Spain. This illustrates the cross-border aspects of name usage in marriage.
Or if regret arises: After five years of marriage, a partner wants to change. This requires an application to the Rechtbank Amsterdam, with possible assistance from the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam for free advice.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.