Pursuant to the RA labor Code a child has the right t have a name, a family name and patronymic.
A name is given to the child with the consent of the parents, and patronymic is given by the father’s name in accordance with the procedure established by the Code.
A child’s family name is determined by the family name of the parents. If the parents bear different family names, with the parents’ consent the child is given the father’s or mother’s family name.
The disputes caused by the disagreement of parents on the child’s name and family name are solved by the department of custody and guardianship.
If the child’s paternity is not determined he/she is given name by the mother’s decision, patronymic by the name of a person registered as a child’s father, and family name by the mother’s family name.
The name of a child under 10 years old is changed by the state Civic Status Registration Departments on the basis of the parents’ common application, as well as the family name – by the name of the other parent.
If the parents live separately, and the parent who the child lives with wants to give the child his/her family name, the issue is solved taking into consideration the opinion of the other parent.
Taking into consideration of the other parent’s opinion is not obligatory if:
1) it is impossible to ascertain his/her place of residence;
2) he/she is deprived of parental rights;
3) he/she is recognized incapable by court;
4) he/she avoids rearing and taking care of a child without justifiable reasons.
The alternation of the name and/or family name of a child over 10 years old can be realized taking into consideration his/her opinion.
