How to Fix a Philippine Name?

[UNGGOY]

We cannot be the first to encounter this. We are at a total loss. Anyone have any ideas?

So, here is the situation. Real names hidden to protect the innocent.


Pinay-

Luzviminda Dela Cruz

Marries Foreigner-

Joe Smith

They go to America. Joe Smith, for personal reasons, changes his name to Jim Jones.

Wife becomes Lucy Jones. Later naturalizes as this name in the USA.

Joe and Lucy Jones have 20 kids. Jim Jones, jr., Bobby Jones, Timmy Jones, Danny Jones, and so on.

The Joneses return to the Philippines.

Now Jim Jones and his 20 little Jonseses have some strange lady named Luzviminda Smith following them around everywhere!

Is there no way to make Lucy Jones come with us?

[suzukig1]

To officially change a surname in the PHL you need a court order from a PHL court.

So you need to start with a PHL lawyer.

[UNGGOY]

To officially change a surname in the PHL you need a court order from a PHL court.

So you need to start with a PHL lawyer.

Why do they require a lawyer?

[suzukig1]

Why do they require a lawyer?

Maybe you don't but most people do not know how to petition the court for things such as a name change.  Do you even know what court you would go to? There are residence requirements for filing petitions in courts.  You can probably go to the courts and ask someone about all of the requirements.