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What is the procedure for changing a child's surname and origin?

After remarrying, I am raising my child together with my husband. My daughter is very attached to my husband, her stepfather, and since she will soon reach adolescence, I am worried that she may become sensitive about having a different surname from her father. For my child's sake, I intend to change her surname and family origin to those of my husband. Is there anyone who can explain in detail the procedure for changing a child's surname and origin?

Change of a child's surname and origin

Answer

Published: 2025-05-01

Author : Kuk Il KIM

I see that you have asked about the procedure for changing a child's surname and origin.

First, to change your child's surname and family origin to those of your husband, you must file a petition with the family court for permission to change the surname and origin.

To file the petition, you must confirm the court with jurisdiction.

The petition for the change may be filed with the family court that has jurisdiction over the domicile of the person concerned, that is, the child.

In this case, you must be able to sufficiently explain that changing the child's surname and origin is necessary for the child's welfare.

The family court may hear the opinions of the parents and the child and reflect them in deciding whether to permit the change.

If the court permits the change of surname and origin for the child's welfare, you can effect the change by filing a report.

You may file the report of change within 1 month from the date on which the ruling becomes final, at the city hall, district office, eup office, or myeon office having jurisdiction over the registration base address or the domicile.

The documents required at this time are as follows.

∙ Report of change of surname and origin
∙ One copy of the certified transcript of the family court's ruling of permission
∙ Attachment of a copy of the reporting person's identification document (only in the case of a report by mail)
∙ Where the reporting person appears in person, the reporting person's identification document
(where the submitting person appears in person, the submitting person's identification document)

If this procedure for changing the surname and origin feels complicated, obtaining the help of an attorney specializing in family matters is also a good approach.