Nearly 13,000 Belgians change surnames following legal reform

Nearly 13,000 citizens in Belgium have officially altered their surnames since a new law took effect in July 2024. The legislative reform simplified the civil registry procedure, allowing individuals to adopt their mother's surname or combine both parents' family names without complex administrative steps. Thousands of residents have taken advantage of the simplified rules to better align their legal identities with their personal or maternal heritage. The initiative represents a major update to the country's civil status framework regarding personal naming rights.

Sources: Le Soir