Civil Code Article 1059
This English translation was last updated on 2021-01-20, but the Chinese text was amended on 2026-08-17. Later amendments may not be reflected in the translation — please refer to the Chinese text.
Parents should agree in writing before filing the child’s birth registration regarding if the child assumes the father’s or mother’s surname. Without such an agreement or when the agreement cannot be made, the surname should be determined by drawing lots at the Household Registration Office.After filing the child’s birth registration and prior to the child reaching maturity, the parents may in writing change the child’s surname to either the father’s or mother’s.Where the child reached his/her maturity, he/she may change his/her surname to either the father’s or mother’s surname.Changing the surname pursuant to preceding two Paragraphs can be done only once.Where one of the following conditions is met, either the parents or the child can petition in the interest of the child for a judicial declaration to change the child’s surname to either the father’s or mother’s surname:(1) Where the parents divorce;(2) Where one or both of parents are deceased;(3) Where one or both of parents’ lives have been uncertain for three years; or(4) One of parents has obviously not fulfilled his/her obligation of care-giving.
中文原文 民法第1059條
父母於子女出生登記前，應以書面約定子女從父姓或母姓。
未約定或約定不成者，於戶政事務所抽籤決定之。
子女經出生登記後，於未成年前，得由父母以書面約定變更為父姓或母姓。
子女已成年者，得變更為父姓或母姓。
前二項之變更，各以一次為限。
有下列各款情形之一，法院得依父母之一方或子女之請求，為子女之利益，宣告變更子女之姓氏為父姓或母姓：
一、父母離婚者。
二、父母之一方或雙方死亡者。
三、父母之一方或雙方生死不明滿三年者。
四、父母之一方顯有未盡保護或教養義務之情事者。
未約定或約定不成者，於戶政事務所抽籤決定之。
子女經出生登記後，於未成年前，得由父母以書面約定變更為父姓或母姓。
子女已成年者，得變更為父姓或母姓。
前二項之變更，各以一次為限。
有下列各款情形之一，法院得依父母之一方或子女之請求，為子女之利益，宣告變更子女之姓氏為父姓或母姓：
一、父母離婚者。
二、父母之一方或雙方死亡者。
三、父母之一方或雙方生死不明滿三年者。
四、父母之一方顯有未盡保護或教養義務之情事者。