Recognition of stepfather despite there being a biological father

Questioner

We have already had several telephone contacts with the municipality and they indicated that my adult son can recognize his stepfather as his father and therefore also receive his surname. Biological father has not been seen or heard from in 14 years, also the entire family has abandoned his side and never asked how he is doing. There is no alimony and no authority. My son suffers a lot from his surname, both physically and mentally, because his biological father is a pedophile and has mentally abused us. My son is now 27 years old and 1 meter 80 and an average weight of 58 kilos because of everything he has been through We were told this by recognition last week and there are people who say that it can be done free of charge and others disagree with this My partner has been taking care of my son since he was 13 Now we would like to know exactly what the situation is because my son really wants to get rid of his name so that a burden can be lifted from his shoulders and he can move on with his life because the yes no game is for him disappointment after disappointment after disappointment after disappointment What can we do to make my son happy and for as little money as possible, because unfortunately there isn't any. Thank you in advance. Kind regards

Lawyer

This is indeed possible, but the parent will be involved in the request. name change. It costs 835 euros https://justis.nl/producten/naamsverandering/achternaam-meerderjarige-wijzigen

Questioner

Good afternoon We are talking about denying the biological father and recognizing the stepfather, that is also possible and free of charge, we were told I just want to know if a biological father has had no contact with his son for so long that he has not supported him in all those years and has not paid any alimony, does he still have any legal rights? Kind regards Els

Lawyer

You say that the child bears the name of the biological father: I therefore assume that he has acknowledged the child or he has been married to you (registered partnership) and the legal father is known. Then there are currently two legal parents and that prevents acknowledgement by a step-parent because a child may only have a maximum of two parents. Furthermore, do not confuse the other situations that applied to authority and parental power. And a (biological) parent cannot be legally denied, it is not a legal term or right. That is why the situation of a surname change seems to me to be the most suitable option.