Citizenship by Descent: What to Do If Ancestors’ Documents Show Different Names (e.g., Marchetti, Marchetta)? You Can Contact a Notary

22 Dec Citizenship by Descent: What to Do If Ancestors’ Documents Show Different Names (e.g., Marchetti, Marchetta)? You Can Contact a Notary

Citizenship by Descent: How to Handle Discrepancies in Ancestors’ Names?

Applying for Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) is a right that many people around the world can claim if they prove their Italian ancestry. However, one of the most common challenges in this process involves discrepancies in names found in the documents. Minor variations, such as Marchetti and Marchetta, transcription errors, or approximate translations, can complicate the application. In these cases, knowing how to proceed is crucial to avoid delays or, worse, a rejection of the application.

Why Are Name Discrepancies an Issue?

Italian offices handling citizenship applications require flawless documentation. Every record, from birth to marriage certificates, must clearly establish the genealogical line connecting the applicant to their Italian ancestor. When names differ, even slightly, doubts may arise regarding the identity of the individuals involved.

These errors may stem from:

• Incorrect transcription in original records.
• Linguistic adaptations due to migration to a country with different phonetic or linguistic rules.
• Errors during translation or legalization of documents.
• Voluntary or involuntary name changes by ancestors, often to make the name more “suitable” for a new cultural context.

How to Resolve Name Discrepancies

1. Thorough Investigation of Documents

Before proceeding, it is essential to collect and verify all necessary documents, both Italian and foreign. In case of discrepancies, it may be necessary to obtain full copies of records to analyze marginal notes or transcription errors.

2. Notarial Act of Concordance

When discrepancies are limited to small phonetic or orthographic variations (e.g., Marchetti vs. Marchetta), they can often be resolved with a notarial act of concordance. This official document, issued by a notary, certifies that the name variants refer to the same individual.

To obtain this act, you will need to:

• Present all documents with differing names.
• Provide genealogical evidence linking the individuals.
• Explain the reasons for the discrepancies, if known.

An experienced notary specializing in citizenship matters can draft an accurate and compliant document for submission to the Italian authorities.

3. Court Ruling

In more complex cases where discrepancies cannot be resolved with a notarial act, a declaratory court ruling may be necessary. This typically involves legal proceedings in the country where the document errors occurred.

The court ruling formally recognizes that the name variations refer to the same individual. Once issued, it must be translated, apostilled, and legalized for acceptance in Italy.

4. Certified Translator Assistance

To prevent further issues, all documents must be translated by a certified translator experienced in legal matters. Translations must accurately reflect the original details and comply with Italian regulations.

5. Italian Consulate or Municipality

After resolving discrepancies, the corrected documents must be submitted to the appropriate Italian Consulate or the municipality in Italy where the applicant’s birth record will be registered. In some cases, officials may request additional verification or supplementary documents.

When to Contact a Notary

A notary plays a key role in resolving document discrepancies. They can:

• Draft the notarial act of concordance required to confirm identity.
• Provide legal advice on handling particularly complex cases.
• Collaborate with specialized lawyers if a court ruling is necessary.

If you live abroad, you can consult a local notary or work with an Italian notary experienced in citizenship applications.

Our Assistance Service

If you face challenges with ancestor documents, our team offers comprehensive support:

• Free document analysis to identify discrepancies.
• Certified translation and legalization services.
• Collaboration with notaries and expert lawyers to resolve legal issues.
• Guidance for submitting documents to Italian consulates or municipalities.

Contact Us Today

For immediate assistance, contact us via email, WhatsApp, or Facebook. We are available even on holidays to help you obtain Italian citizenship without stress.

Conclusion

Name discrepancies should not become an insurmountable obstacle in your Italian citizenship application. With the right legal and documentary support, you can resolve these issues and claim your rightful status as an Italian citizen. Rely on experienced professionals to ensure every step is handled with care and precision.