Editing Name change (section)

===Belgium===
Changes in law Aug 2018 changes first name and fee will fall under the authority of local town hall<ref>{{cite web |url=https://justitie.belgium.be/nl/nieuws/persberichten_70 |title=Veranderen van (voor-)naam: wat verandert er? |trans-title=Changing (first) name: what will change? |date=July 24, 2018 |website=Federale Overheidsdienst Justitie |language=Dutch |access-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527034338/https://justitie.belgium.be/nl/nieuws/persberichten_70 |archive-date=May 27, 2019}}</ref> In Belgian law, a name is in principle considered fixed for life, but under exceptional circumstances, a person may apply to the Ministry of Justice for a name change. This requires a Royal Decree (French: ''Arrêté royal'', Dutch: ''Koninklijk besluit'') for last names, but only a Ministerial Decree for first names. The new name must not cause confusion or cause damage to the bearer or others. Examples of requests that are usually considered favorably:
* A person of non-European origin who wants to adopt a less exotic name to further their integration in Belgian society
* A person stuck with a ridiculous last name that is causing them great embarrassment or emotional distress. Actual examples: Salami, Naaktgeboren ("born naked"), and Clooten ("sods of earth" in Middle Dutch, but "testicles" in modern Dutch)
* (for minor children) following legal adoption or recognition of paternity<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.just.fgov.be/nl_htm/informatie/htm_justitie_atotz/naamveranderen.html |title=Veranderen Van Naam of Voornaam |language=Dutch |access-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070514153237/http://www.just.fgov.be/nl_htm/informatie/htm_justitie_atotz/naamveranderen.html |archive-date=May 14, 2007}}</ref>