Statute to change the order of surnames in Chilean law

Abstract

This article analyzes the recent reform of Chilean law that, in accordance with the principle of constitutional equality, will allow parents to determine a different order of surnames from the traditional one for their common children, being able from now on to put the maternal surname before the paternal. At the same time, this legislation establishes the possibility that in adulthood the order of surnames attributed in the birth certificate can be reversed. To this end, are examined the main rules applicable to the determination and change of the order of surnames, their effects on families and with respect to third parties, the safeguards incorporated to prevent their misuse and, finally, some insufficiently regulated aspects.