Name Usage in Marriage in Den Haag
In Den Haag, you can flexibly choose how to use your surname during a marriage. By default, you retain your own name, but options such as adopting your partner's name, a double surname, or other combinations are possible. This falls under Dutch family law and allows for personal identity. In this article, we discuss the rules, choices, and tips specifically for residents of Den Haag, with attention to local procedures at the Gemeente Den Haag and Rechtbank Den Haag for name usage in marriage in Den Haag.
What Does Name Usage in Marriage in Den Haag Mean?
Name usage in marriage describes how spouses handle their surnames after getting married. In the Netherlands, and thus in Den Haag, the principle of individual name choice applies: you don't have to take your partner's name. This differs from older traditions elsewhere, where the wife often adopted the husband's name. The law provides freedom based on your own preferences, cultural influences, or practical considerations. For marriages in Den Haag, you arrange this directly with the Gemeente Den Haag. After the ceremony, you can optionally request an official change through the civil registry. This article builds on our overview of name change after marriage, with a focus on choices during the ceremony in Den Haag.
Legal Rules for Name Usage
The foundation for name usage in marriage in Den Haag is found in Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW), particularly the provisions on family names. Article 1:9 BW determines the surname for married individuals and partners. Partners keep their own name unless they make a different choice at the time of marriage. Key articles include:
- Article 1:10 BW: You can choose your partner's surname as your family name.
- Article 1:11 BW: For a combined double name, such as Jansen-Van Dijk.
- Article 1:12 BW: For children, the parents' name applies, but parents have flexibility in choice.
These rules promote equality and prevent gender discrimination. Since the Individualization of Family Name Act in 1998, flexibility has increased. For international couples in Den Haag, the Hague Convention on Names (1980) plays a role, which the Netherlands recognizes. Marriages abroad require registration with the Gemeente Den Haag for Dutch recognition. For advice, you can turn to the Juridisch Loket Den Haag, which offers free assistance to residents of Den Haag.
Choices for Name Usage in a Marriage in Den Haag
During the marriage ceremony in Den Haag, you declare your preference to the official at the Gemeente Den Haag. The options are adaptable and can differ for each partner. Here's an overview:
| Option | Description | Example in Den Haag |
|---|---|---|
| Retain your own surname | You keep your original name; no change is needed. | Anna de Vries remains Anna de Vries after marrying Tom Jansen at the Den Haag city hall. |
| Adopt your partner's name | You fully take on your partner's surname. | Anna de Vries becomes Anna Jansen. |
| Double surname | Combine both names, possibly with a hyphen. | Anna and Tom both become De Vries-Jansen. |
| Addition to your own name | Use your partner's name as a prefix or suffix. | Tom Jansen becomes Tom Jansen-de Vries. |
Shared choices, like a double name, require agreement from both partners. The same rules apply to registered partnerships (Article 1:80a BW). After the marriage in Den Haag, you can't easily make changes; for that, you start a procedure at the Rechtbank Den Haag (see name change procedure). The Juridisch Loket Den Haag can guide you through these steps.
Rights and Obligations for Name Usage in Den Haag
You have the freedom to choose your name, as long as it's not fraudulent. Obligations include notifying the Gemeente Den Haag of your choice and updating documents like your passport or driver's license. A double name means extra administration with Den Haag authorities.
- Privacy rights: Your choice remains confidential, except in the marriage certificate.
- Obligation for consistency: Apply the name consistently in your Den Haag contracts, banks, and employment.
- Right to correction: Fix errors in registration with the Gemeente Den Haag.
For children born after a marriage in Den Haag, parents choose at the birth registration (Article 1:5 BW), ensuring family continuity. Local support is available from the Juridisch Loket Den Haag for complex cases.
Practical Examples from Den Haag
For instance, suppose Lisa Bakker and Mark Smit get married in Den Haag. Lisa, who works at a local company, keeps her name for professional reasons. Mark does the same, but for their children, they choose Bakker-Smit. After the ceremony, Lisa renews her passport at the Gemeente Den Haag for €10 and a wait time of a few weeks.
In an international case, Juan Garcia (Spanish) marries Sophie van der Linden (Dutch) at the Den Haag city hall. They keep their own names, but Juan arranges an apostille for Spanish purposes. This highlights the cross-border aspects of name usage in marriage for residents of Den Haag.
Or if a partner regrets their choice after five years of marriage: You can apply for a change at the Rechtbank Den Haag, but this requires a strong reason and possibly advice from the Juridisch Loket Den Haag. This maintains flexibility in your life in Den Haag.
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.