Application for making changes to the civil status record

In order to make changes to a civil status record, there must be sufficient grounds. Let's examine in detail the legal mechanism by which this occurs. We'll also discuss how the services of "Prikhodko & Partners" Law Firm can help in this regard.

Who can apply for such changes?

An application for making changes to a civil status record may be submitted by the following categories of persons:

• the person regarding whom the record was made;
• one of the parents, guardian, or custodian of the child regarding whom the record was made;
• the guardian of a person who is legally incompetent;
• the heirs of the deceased;
• the authorized guardianship and trusteeship authorities.

Such changes are made by the Civil Registry Office at the location where the relevant civil status record is kept. Once this is completed, the applicant receives a new certificate of state registration of the civil status act.

Where can I submit an application?

There are several government agencies authorized to accept such applications. These are:

• Civil Registry Office;
• Diplomatic Mission of Ukraine;
• Consular Office;
• Center for Administrative Services.

There's one important point to be aware of regarding the procedure for amending civil registration records in Ukraine after the full-scale Russian invasion. You can submit an application to any Civil Registry Office located in Ukrainian-controlled territory.

What do you need to know about the required documents?

In addition to the application itself, you must provide:

• your Ukrainian citizen's passport (this may also be a foreign national's passport or a document certifying a stateless person, depending on the applicant);
• a certificate of state registration of a civil status act, where the information was entered that is incorrect, incomplete, or subject to replacement;
• other documentation necessary for the matter to be resolved on its merits.

The third point deserves special attention, as changes to a specific registration record require the provision of documents that serve as the basis for such changes. Let's take a closer look at examples of such documents.

Reasons for making changes to the registration record

So, among the most common of these reasons are:

• a court decision recognizing paternity or maternity, adoption, adoption annulment, or invalidation;
• a decision of a Civil Registry Office or diplomatic mission;
• a ruling of an administrative court;
• an individual's application for recognition of paternity;
• an application by an unmarried mother, guardian, trustee, or the adult individual to include information about the father in the registration record;
• an application to change the surname of a minor child in the event of a change of the parents' surnames;
• a registration record of name change;
• a registration record of divorce;
• a registration record about marriage;
• a decision of the guardianship and trusteeship authority.

It is also possible to make changes to the registration record in other cases when this does not contradict the norms of the current legislation of Ukraine.

How does the application review process end?

Once the authorized body where you submitted your application has reviewed it, they will issue a reasoned opinion, which may be of two types: to amend the civil status record or to deny it. If the decision is denied, the reason for the denial must be explained, as well as the possibility of appealing it in court.

How will our services be useful?

When you need to make changes to your civil status records, legal assistance may be helpful. Let's look at which services are appropriate and in which cases:

Advisory support. A professional consultation will be appropriate if you plan to handle legal matters yourself but want to obtain the necessary information. The first thing a lawyer will familiarize you with is the legal regulations that apply to your specific situation. The second will be the documents you need to amend your civil status records. Third, they will discuss common mistakes applicants make along the way and how to avoid them.

Legal support. You can delegate all interactions with authorized government agencies to us, and our specialists will handle the necessary legal matters, thereby saving you time, effort, and attention.

Representation in court. If you've been unjustifiably denied changes to your civil status record, you can appeal it by filing a lawsuit in the administrative court. We can help.

To book a lawyer specializing in these areas, please fill out the contact form on our website. A specialist will then call you to discuss the details of our future collaboration.