Changing a child's surname in Uzbekistan requires the consent of both parents — a requirement enshrined in national law. In this article, a notary from the Yunusabad district of Tashkent explains how that consent is formalised, which documents are needed, and when the requirement may be waived.
1 minA testator in Uzbekistan can do more than simply distribute assets — they can bind heirs to perform specific acts for the benefit of named individuals or society at large. Testamentary legacy (legacy/legatee mechanism) and testamentary obligation are two distinct legal instruments that make this possible. A notary of the Yunusabad District of Tashkent explains how they differ and how to structure them correctly.
Yes — as a general rule, changing a minor child's surname is only possible with the consent of both parents. This requirement exists to protect the child's rights and prevent one parent from acting unilaterally behind the other's back. In my practice, I frequently see this become the central sticking point — particularly when parents are divorced or living in different cities.
Key points:
---
The consenting parent attends the notary's office in person. The other parent and the child are generally not required to be present — only the person signing the document needs to appear.
| Step |
|---|
Practising private notary of the Yunusabad district of Tashkent. Certifies transactions, powers of attorney, inheritance and family documents under the law of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
1 minWhen a beneficiary resides overseas or the estate includes property in another country, inheritance becomes considerably more complex. In this article I walk through the general procedure, the documents you will need, and the key issues to watch for.
| What Happens |
|---|
| Points to Note |
|---|
| Document preparation | Parent's passport; child's birth certificate | Documents must be current and valid |
| Visit to the notary | Personal attendance of the consenting parent | A power of attorney granted to a third party is not applicable here |
| Certification of consent | The notary verifies identity and confirms the parent's free will | The notary explains the legal consequences of the document |
| Use of the document | Consent is submitted to the civil registry office (ZAGS) or other competent authority | Confirm the document's validity period and the specific authority's requirements |
I always recommend preparing all necessary documents in advance and checking with your notary whether anything additional is required for your particular situation.
---
---
Uzbek law provides for situations in which a child's surname may be changed without the other parent's consent:
In each of these scenarios, the required set of documents will differ. I strongly recommend seeking a consultation before gathering paperwork — it will save you considerable time.
---
Can consent be arranged remotely if the other parent lives in a different city?
Yes. The parent may attend any notary at their place of residence to have the consent notarially certified, then send the document by post or via a trusted representative.
Is consent required if the child is already 14 years old?
Once a child reaches a certain age, their own wishes are also taken into account. The exact procedure depends on the specific circumstances — please confirm with your notary.
How much does it cost to have consent certified by a notary?
Fees should be confirmed with your notary at the time of your appointment, as rates are periodically revised.
How long is notarial consent valid?
As a rule, validity is not time-limited unless the document itself specifies otherwise. However, individual authorities may impose their own requirements — confirm this at the point of submission.
What can be done if the other parent refuses to give consent?
In that case, the dispute must be resolved through the courts. A notary cannot compel a parent to give consent — that authority rests exclusively with a judge.
---
Changing a child's surname is a procedure that demands careful attention to detail. Notarially certified consent from the other parent is a mandatory document in most cases, and it is best planned well in advance — especially when the parents live separately.
*The information in this article is of a general informational nature and does not replace an individual notarial consultation. Every situation is considered individually in light of the specific circumstances and applicable legislation.*
If you need to formalise consent for a child's surname change, or wish to clarify the details of your situation, please contact my notarial office in the Yunusabad district of Tashkent. I will do my best to help you understand the process and prepare all the necessary documents.