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Changing a Child's Surname

Author: Abigail Taylor
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Changing a Child's Surname

Changing a child's surname is a common cause of conflict between parents, especially if they are separated, newly married to another partner or were not married to each other at the time the birth was registered. So who can change a child's surname and how?

Anyone can change their name by deed poll (using a deed of change of name) but sometimes additional consent from other parties with parental responsibility is needed. Your birth certificate will not normally be changed as this is a historical record of your name at birth.

What is a Deed Poll?

A Deed Poll is a legal document in which a person agrees to carry out an action set out in the document. For a Deed to Change Name, a person is simply agreeing to change their name and going forwards be known by their new name.

Who Can Make an Deed Poll Application?

For children, an application will need to be made by their parents using a specific application for minors. Importantly, all those with parental responsibility will need to consent to the name change.

If a care order is in place, the Local Authority will have parental responsibility so must consent to the name change. Speak to your case worker to discuss your reasons for wanting the change and to obtain their consent.

What is Parental Responsibility?

Parental responsibility as defined by S.3(1) Children Act 1989 is: 'all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which by law a parent of a child has in relation to the child and his property'.
Essentially, it is the power to make practical and important decisions about a child such as where they go to school, where they live and what religion they follow.

Do I have Parental Responsibility?

Below is a breakdown of all those who have automatic parental responsibility:

  • Mothers (regardless of whether married or divorced)
  • Fathers married to the mother at the time of birth (and this is not lost if they later divorce)
  • Fathers not married to the mother at the time of birth but who later marry the mother
  • Anyone with a Parental Responsibility Agreement or Order from the Court providing Parental Responsibility
  • Anyone whose name is registered on the birth certificate (even if unmarried) after 1 December 2003
  • Anyone with a Residence Order prior to 22 Aril 2014

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Why Change a Child's Name?

There are many reasons why parents may wish to change a child's name and so this is really an endless list. However common reasons given include:

  • Parents have split up following birth of the child and one parent no longer has contact with the child
  • Parents have got married after birth of the child and wish to change the child's name to match their married name
  • A parent is distressed that their child has the same name as an abusive former partner and this may have an impact on their care of the child
  • The child has not been known by their legal name for a long period of time and is no longer known by that name
  • A parent wishes all their children to have the same surname
Changing a child's name is a significant and important decision and not one to be taken lightly. In particular it should not be used to "get back" at a former partner, and the courts will strongly disapprove of this

If you need assistance with changing your child's name, speak to your local Citizen's Advice Bureau who can often provide free and independent legal advice.

Below are some answers to questions we're commonly asked.

What if the Other Parent Objects to the Name Change?

If one (or more) parties with parental responsibility will not consent to the name change, then you can apply to court to change a child's name. You will need to apply for a Specific Issue Order. The court will determine any such application by considering what is in the best interests of the child.

What if the Other Party Cannot be Contacted to Consent?

Sometimes a party with parental responsibility cannot be contacted (eg a father who was named on the birth certificate after 1 December 2003 but who has split from the mother and is no longer involved in the child's life).

In that situation it is possible for a child's name to be changed by deed poll. However the parent making the application must have made reasonable attempts to try to contact the other party/parties with parental responsibility. The deed poll service will want to see evidence of attempts to make contact. Evidence of this should normally include:

  • Writing to the person's last known address (keep a copy of the letter)
  • Emailing the person's last known email address (keep a copy of the email, and any can't deliver message if applicable)

It is important to note that even if the deed poll service allows a child's name to be changed in these circumstances, the passport office may still refuse to accept the name change. This is because they often use a more rigorous test when assessing whether reasonable attempts have been made to contact the other party. This is largely due to child abduction concerns. It is often better to consider applying to the court for an order permitting the change in these circumstances. Without opposition from the other party, an order is more likely to be granted.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

What if My Child's Name Has Been Changed but I Don't Have Parental Responsibility?

If a party without parental responsibility discovers that their child's name has been changed, they can apply to the court for the change to be reversed. There would however need to be a good reason for this.

[TIP: If you are applying to the court for a name change reversal, it would also be a good idea to apply for a Parental Responsibility Order at the same time. This will prevent further decisions (e.g your child's medical treatment, or where they will live) being made without your consent, or a court order.]

Can I Just Call my Child Something Different Without Changing their Legal Name?

A child can be given a "known name" which is different to their legal name. This is just similar to using a nickname. The child's true legal name will however still need to be used on official documents, such as academic certificates, and when for example registering your child at a doctors.

If a party with parental responsibility does not agree with the use of the child's "known name" then they can apply to the court for an order to stop the "known name" being used. The court is only likely to grant such an order with good reason though (e.g just because you dislike your son William being known as "Bill", you will not be given an order by the court to prevent this). It is therefore important if contesting this to clearly set out your reasons for the objection.

Where do apply for a Deed Poll application form?

There are many websites offering a service to change your name by deed poll but you can do this yourself directly via the government website here

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542 questions
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LawAndParents Editor 22/05/2026 at 9:17 am
@Blue boy Back in 1986 the mother could register the child under any surname she wished, including yours, the husband's, her maiden name, or even a completely unrelated name. There was no legal requirement to use the husband's surname, even though he would have been presumed the legal father since they were still married. Christening is separate from the birth register and carries no legal weight on the name. So yes, she could have used your surname if she'd chosen to.
Blue boy 12/09/2023 at 8:42 pm
I had a daughter with a married lady who was separated from her husband back in 1986. When she christened the child what choices did she have. My name was was not put on birth certificate. She gave my daughter her husbands surname. Legally could she have still given my daughter my surname.
Didi 05/01/2021 at 2:34 pm
I have a court order for my grandsons I have residency and legal guardian dad has not paid or seen them in a yrcsn I legally change there surname
Klloyd 19/11/2020 at 6:18 pm
I want to change my parents. They said to me that they are not letting me go, I thought a mother chooses what is best for me and they cannot happy for me if i chose my college more than my parents. They are really silly and now it makes me silly so that I will get in trouble with my college. I know it is my choice but I will get told off, shouted at and getting hurt as well.
Rox 29/07/2020 at 7:54 am
Hi
I have a daughter who's surname is inder her real dad surname but we dont have any contact to the real dad anymore and it's been 3years now. Im hettong married to my new partner this upcomong year amd we are planning to possible change the last name of my first born child to the last name of my partner. Do i need to first ask my partner to legally adopt my kid before changing last name or can i already file change last name ?
CeeJay 14/07/2020 at 11:20 pm
I have two children with my ex wife, our oldest child was born out of wedlock and has both my ex wife and my surname, with my surname being first. Some years (2/3) after the birth of our first child my ex wife and I were married.
During the pregnancy of our second child my ex wife and I agreed to change our first child's surname ( as our second child would have just my surname) so we would all share the same family name, which would have to be done via deed poll.
My ex wife and I seperated shortly after the birth of our second child and never had the opportunity to change our first child's surname.
My ex wife has filed for our second child's surname to be changed and include her maiden name as our first child.
How likely are the courts grant my ex wife's request?
Sophie 08/06/2020 at 6:26 pm
my sister has two children with her ex partner, he is about 8/9 years older than her, she was only 16 & 17 when she had them both, he and his family pressured her into giving them his surname "because its traditional" (funny really, as their situation was far from traditional), he forced her to give the children his name and wouldn't allow her to double barrel the surname. He has since had another child who does have a double barrel surname (ironic I know), he still will not allow her to change their name to allow them to have their identity with the family they most associate with, he has been in and out of their lives because of drugs, drink and his new partner, would she have any chance of being able to change their name in court?
Shabba 29/04/2020 at 4:27 pm
I have a 10 month old and the father has not had any contact or paying for him since a month old and now I have a court order on his dad am I able to drop his surname off as my sons last name is mine then his “dads” is this possible?
Ringo 06/03/2020 at 8:25 am
My child has a double barrel surname, my surname first (mum) then his fathers with no hyphen. He is all so on my child’s birth certificate. My child’s father surname is NOT from his biological father his mum married and he took the same surname as his mother and siblings, so they would be the same. I want my son to have my surname and carry it on to the next generation. i disagree my child could be carrying someone eles surname to his next generation? Who is not biological his grandfather or blood
Emma 27/02/2020 at 2:33 pm
I have a 8 years old daughter who is not in contact with her father. She has the same surname as her father. Can I add another surname to the current surname without her father consent?
for example: her current name is Lisa BOLD
I want to changed it to Lisa BOLD JONES or Lisa JONES BOLD
Thanks
Father 09/02/2020 at 9:35 pm
I am a Father of a 4 year old, i pay for him and have a shared care agreement, i have him for 5 days a week and now when the Mother doesnt get her own way or doesnt agree to something said then im threatened to not seeing him again, now she suddenly wants to change his surname to a double barrelled one because she didnt like the time of drop off on his Birthday. She now wants to go to court as i dont give consent to a double barrelled surname
Laura 28/12/2019 at 8:42 pm
I have 2 grandchildren 1 with residency order and the 10 month old with sgo eldest one has mums surname youngest has different dad and his surname can i apply to the courts to get youngest one same surname as her older sister (not my surname) neither parents agree but i believe it is the best thing for youngeat child
Shazz 07/12/2019 at 10:31 am
Hi, i have a son who is 7 years and he have his fathers surname and i want want to change it he cant even support my son am struggle with his surname my aunt was needed to take my son to oversea for schooling there as am an orphan bu she coudnt coz of his surname and am worried i dont know what to do help me and its how much to change the surname to be mine without his father as i dont know where his father is
Parso 29/11/2019 at 9:56 pm
Hi there I have separated from partner and have 2 boys and she has full custody but I still keep in contact with them with tea and phone but now she has been remarried and I think she has changed my boys last name without me knowing and I’ve only just found out what can I do
Nelly 29/10/2019 at 11:37 pm
Pls help,I want to know that,what can I do in other to change my daughter's father's surname to mine coz, he's not supporting the child en he's married to another woman has he's own family en the most painful thing is that when he met my daughteron the road or Street doesn't even great her or say hello but my daughter still carrying his surname so I want to change that surname to mine,en I want to know how much it cost?
Liza 04/09/2019 at 6:14 pm
I have 3 kids in long term foster care they all have the same surname but their dad has past away would I be able to change my girls surnames to my surname? If so how would I go about it ? X
Carlos 15/08/2019 at 10:03 am
I am a father of a 4 year old son, and , I’m wasn’t married to my previous partner but I was on the birth certificate. How would I know if she has changed his surname ?
Kee 19/07/2019 at 3:40 pm
Hi I was wondering xsn I change my children surname even though they don't see there father he doesn't pay for them and the court won't let him see them at the moment because he has acholc problems and wondered where k stand with this please
Kia 02/05/2019 at 8:34 pm
Just a quick question.
My daughter dad is classed as medium risk towards adults and children he doesn't have contact at all with my daughter she's 4 this month and was wondering how I change my daughter's surname as she has her dad's and I would like her to have mine as I'm now married and he's like a dad to her I don't know his whereabouts or have his contact details.
Lise 21/04/2019 at 12:15 pm
My ex took me to court for more access to the children but the court did not put any order in place due to his actions and agreed with me that it needs to stay flexible. He now ignores the children and looks as if the novelty is wearing off. Can I change my youngests so she is the same as myself and her 2 sisters ?
Squidge 21/02/2019 at 11:35 am
My grandson is 15, he hasn't had any contact with his father in 10yrs. He wants to change his surname to his mums. She changed hers to mine but was in her 20's. Is there any way he/we can change it legally. His dad was violent to my daughter, we know where he is but really don't want to have to contact him... He has 6 other kids so is not interested in my grandson.
Lil 17/02/2019 at 9:05 pm
My daughter has expressed that she wants to take my partner name and drop her dad's surname. He won't agree this and she is becoming quite distressed. Is there anyway I can change it without his permission? My partner and I plan to marry soon and my daughter wants our surname so she is the same. She also gets bullied for her current surname
Cmaria 09/01/2019 at 9:57 pm
My son had 2 kids to a married woman and the children was registered in her name (married name) and my sons name as a double barrel after a big battle in court it was my son then her name but now she devorsed her husband and gone back to her maiden name but the children are still know by his name they now both parents want to drop her married name from kids how do they go about it without courts and costs
Adam 04/01/2019 at 10:47 pm
My ex has changed our childs last name to hers and done so without my consent. I am on the birth cert. and have always paid maintenance for our child since we separated, she moved quite a distance away and I work most days and have bills to pay like any other person which makes it difficult to travel to see our child, however i have never been out of contact with them to speak and video call. Having found this out about her changing his name I am unaware of how she has done this and if it is in fact legal. I need advice on what I can do or if I can do anything.
Dee 04/01/2019 at 5:48 pm
Hi, my son is 3 years old and always resided with me (his mother). I was with my child’s father for 8 years and at time of our child registration, I was informed that as my child’s father was present, he held more ‘say’ at my child’s surname. I have always wanted to have his name double barrelled, but did not know how to go about it. My query is can I just add my surname to that of my child’s (fathers) name without applying for a deedpol & would this be legally recognised? I am applying for schools and need to know where I stand with this. Thanks
Robert 28/12/2018 at 3:40 pm
I am married but not to the mother of daughter she's 13 turning 14 in January ,the mother is not married staying with her parents my daughter is using their surname,, but the mothers father is not biological , is a step father, my daughter is using his surname and I am not feeling comfortable about it , I want her to use mine what should I do without hurting the child
Griff 27/09/2018 at 9:02 pm
Hi just asking on behalf of my daughter her son goes by her surname at school and he does not want to be is father name no more and also suffer from disability just want to help him what can we do to change it. He been with this surname since he started school he now in year 4.
Adel 24/09/2018 at 4:46 am
I have a daughter 8 years old,she is illigetamet but she bring his father surname,but the father no contact after he sign the RA 9255,.I want to remove his surname in the birth certificate of my daughter and take my surname.
Rjk 13/09/2018 at 4:20 pm
My daugther is nearly 4 and tells everyone her name is her mum surname not her legal name. I feel she can call herself what she wants. He spends his time correcting it. Also threatening me with court
will 17/08/2018 at 10:01 pm
My son is now 19. He has got it into his head that a foreign sounding name (like his mothers maiden name - Pejica) is cooler than his birth surname - my English surname.

If my son changes his surname, then I am legally correct to deduce he is not my son - legally, as he has taken another mans surname, and the legal father would in fact be his grandfather on his mothers side.

Is he effectively adopted ?

This has very far reaching ramifications in my view.

For example. If he is not my legally son, then, in the case of divorce, I am not liable for any maintenance payments etc.

Please advise.
Purplelight 08/08/2018 at 6:30 am
Hi
My son's are 15 and 12, they have not seen their dad since approx 2009/2010. From 2002 to 2010 the boys dad was abusive (majority of that time we were not together, he was controlling and kept coming round (how I ended up having both boys) despite his abuse I was civil because of the children)) there had also been arranged visits via solicitors that he failed to keep up. I moved away as a final straw in 2012. He applied for access to see the boys but was denied by court due to his abusive history.
What is bugging me is their middle names that I only agreed to because I felt pressured into what he wanted, I also had no one telling me that I didn't have to have his surname on the certificate. Can I add my surname before their dad's surname rather than eliminate it (elimination part would be their decision or the boys have asked to adopt my current partner or 3 years surname) and can I change their middle names? As mentioned before boys do not have contact with their dad due to court saying no.
Prada 06/08/2018 at 7:59 pm
Hi there,
When my son was born myself and his father were amicable and wanted what was best for our son. As son as he was born he changed and hasn’t seen his son since he as a year old. My son is now nearly 3!! As we were amicable at the time my son carries his surname and he is on the birth certificate, which I wouldn’t have had any other way. As my son carries his surname and not mine am in a catch 22 here where I want him to have my surname but don’t know how to go about it. He doesn’t pay for his son and I have no idea we’re he is, not that that’s a issue. Better off without him.
Can he help me understand what kind of situation I am in if possible.
Many thanks
LawAndParents Editor 03/08/2018 at 3:19 pm
A name change should not affect maintenance payments.
The Sorceress 70 01/08/2018 at 8:36 pm
When my son turns 16, he wants to change his name to that of his step father (which I know he can legally do without permission). Will his father still have to pay maintenance by law, or can he refuse?
LawAndParents Editor 01/08/2018 at 2:20 pm
No, a name has nothing to do with maintenance payments.
Geo 31/07/2018 at 10:02 am
Hi my daughter is now a year old and her father has had nothing to do with her since birth but is on birth certificate if I get consent from him to change her surname to mine, will he legally not be obliged to pay child maintenance anymore?
Spaceman 26/07/2018 at 7:37 pm
My daughter is nearly 14 and has been through a tough time lately with low mood and an eating disorder. While times have been tough her dad decided he wouldn’t see her for 6 mnths and even though I told him it would destroy her and begged him not to leave her he did it anyway. She didn’t take it very well and it made her worse for a while and now not only does she not want to see him either but she is adamant she wants to change her name. We were married and his name is on the birth certificate. But to leave your child when they need most I can’t say I blame her and I want to try to help her heal if that’s what she wants to do
Hippychick 25/07/2018 at 12:05 pm
Hi, my 8 year old daughter has a double barrelled surname, but hates it. She doesn't know her Dad as he chose not to see her when she was a few months old and has never bothered. He harassed me with abusive threatening texts for years until the police gave him a warning. She uses my surname in school, doctors etc which comes first in her hyphenated surname, but wants to get rid of her dad's surname legally as I'm looking at getting her a passport. He pays maintenance but has no contact, how do I proceed in changing her name?
Thanks
LawAndParents Editor 25/07/2018 at 11:39 am
Put the name on the form...you can't expect it to be signed without it, then it should be a straightfoward process. As for maintenance...contact the CM Options website and see how you can use the CMS to ensure payments are regular. If necessary ask someone else to be present at handover times if you are subject to abuse from your the father.
Mimi 22/07/2018 at 2:35 am
I was traditionally married to my children's father. Our daughter was born whilst he was with another woman. He requested a DNA but was unprepared to pay for it himself and expected me to but I ignored his request. I registered the birth of our daughter in my surname as I was very angry with him for asking for a DNA. However, I allowed him to see our baby until a time he started verbally abusing me as whenever he rang to speak to our daughter (4 years old) , daughter refused to speak to him on the phone all the time and he became frustrated by this and abused me frequently until I decided to cut him off totally for my own sanity.

He then took me to court and after a while was granted parental responsibility and contact every 2 weeks. Female judge asked that he undertake the domestic abuse course but this was overturned by a male judge who made a judgement based on the facade my ex presented that he is a good person and did not need the course. To this day I still suffer abuse from him now and again.

He suggested that we change the child's name to his surname but I tried to reason with him that it should be double barrelled as our daughter has used my surname for the past 10 years of her life, he will not see reason to this. I printed off a change of surname form and he signed it but I hadn't filled in the new name. He asked me what I intend to put down and I informed him that it will be a double barrel name. He objected to this. I still have the signed form.

Where do I stand legally? Secondly he does not give me any maintenance at all even though he was told by the judge that he should be looking after his child. As far as he is concerned I have a lot of money.
LawAndParents Editor 05/07/2018 at 3:49 pm
Yes if she is still in full time education at A level standard or below, the father should continue to pay maintenance until she is 18 or 19. The name change will not have any impact on this.
Nat 04/07/2018 at 9:23 pm
Hi.
My daughter is 16 amd has changed her name via deed poll of her own choice.
Does her father still have to pay maintenance?
LawAndParents Editor 02/07/2018 at 12:36 pm
You will still need the father's consent but if he's been absent/gaining his consent will be difficult, you should be able to get the name changed fairly easily via a court order. The court form you need is C100.
LawAndParents Editor 02/07/2018 at 12:02 pm
For the school records she should use the name on her birth certificate but you are allowed to have a "known as" name as well. If that's not sufficient, could you change her name by deed poll? (Assuming the parents if they're still around, agree on that). That would be official and the school should accept that.
KT 29/06/2018 at 8:42 am
Hi, my daughters father had all contact stopped over two years ago. He was abusing her along with his son. My daughter is 9 now and has been “known as” my husbands surname for over a year at her own request. She is now desperate to change her name officially. Would I still need her birth fathers permission? He is on birth certificate, but I’m wondering if his parental responsibility is now void due to no contact?
Con 28/06/2018 at 9:08 pm
We are legal guardianship grandparents until the child is 16..we have had her since birth. She lives with us and now she's 3 years old and is going into a different nursery in September close by. We have been using our surname carson for her since birth for everything apart for her passport. Now the new school said they will not allow her to be called carson it has to be Sharpe her birth surname. Our granddaughter is use to her surname carson and we told the school it will confuse her being a different surname. Can anyone help us with this.
Beonce 25/06/2018 at 10:42 pm
Hi I have a question , my partner has a child in his previous relationship, and know he been ask his ex partner to give her birth certificate for the child , my question is does he have a right to get on other one at registration office without any sign from both parents? , by the way the birth certificate has 2 names , the baby mama last name and my partner last
Lance74 19/06/2018 at 9:47 am
Hi

I have recently split up for my wife, we are still married, she has asked for my consent to double barrel my daughters surname, is this something I can object to, if I do consent do I have a say in which order the names are, ie my surname first followed by hers?
I'm concerned if I do agree and in the future she re marries would the double barrel name be changed to her new married name? where as if I don't agree to the name change initially would they still keep their original surname?
LawAndParents Editor 15/06/2018 at 2:45 pm
We're not sure to be honest. It's strange that your passport has a different name to that shown on your birth certificate unless your mother officially changed your name (in which case you should have a deed poll document or court order).
Martin 14/06/2018 at 4:54 pm
Since the age of 10 my mother changed my name in school to be her maiden name as shown on my birth certificate. My previous name and still my full name on my birth certificate was my fathers. My mother and father where married at the time of my birth but divorced when my mother changed my name. This was not done via deed poll and i dont believe my father approved and certainly he still doesnt. I am due to be married next month and wish to continuing using my mothers maiden name. My NI number has my maiden name along with my passport and driving license but when showing the registrar my birth certificate red flags have been shown. I think i need to have a sentence which states previously known as.

My question, Is my name change in the 1st place legal ? are all my documentations NI number legal ?

Thanks
LawAndParents Editor 11/06/2018 at 2:28 pm
Yes you still need the father's consent assuming he has parental responsibility (i.e he is on the birth certificate or you were married at the time of the birth). If there is no consent forthcoming from the father (or anyone else with parental responsibility), it may be necessary to apply to courts to get the name changed. The form is court form C100
Wondering mum 08/06/2018 at 3:37 pm
Hi, I am due to get married soon and my son (he has my surname) he wants the same name as my partner. My ex's name is on the birth certificate, he has had no contact with my son for the last 6 years, my question is can I get his name changed after I'm married or will I have to get my ex's permission? Thanks.
LawAndParents Editor 05/06/2018 at 2:54 pm
Have you changed your name by deed poll? Here's the government advice on this situation:

A passport applicant in the UK must provide evidence to show that they have changed
their name and that they are using the name for all official purposes i.e. the name is part of their
everyday life and there is a clear link between the former name and the new name. The
applicant should provide at least one piece of evidence to show change of name and one piece
of evidence demonstrating use of name:-
Change of name evidence:
? marriage certificate
? civil partnership certificate
? Gender Recognition certificate
? enrolled deed poll
? change of name deed
? unenrolled deed poll
? adoption order/certificate
? act of Parliament
? certificate of naturalisation or registration
? statutory declaration/affidavit
? birth certificate (upon re-registration)


Use of name evidence:
? tax record (such as a letter form tax authority)

? employment record (such as an official letter from employer
? educational record (such as a school report)
? letter from central, regional or local government department
? driving licence (UK or overseas)
? national ID card or equivalent
? visa or residence permit
? medical/health card
? voters card
? bank statement (UK applications only
Forsyth 04/06/2018 at 7:38 pm
I was born Leigh Culbert. Mum remarried when i was a child and my surname after adoption was changed to Forsyth.
I now use my birth name Culbert.
This is on my official documents. Bank accounts etc.
I require to apply for my passport how do i do this
LawAndParents Editor 30/05/2018 at 3:39 pm
There are no set rules for this, so if you can't agree, then maybe mediation might be the way to go?
Lola37 29/05/2018 at 9:52 pm
Hi,

My little girl currently has my ex’s surname and he and I have agreed to double barrel her name to reflect her now two families. However, we cannot agree on the order of names and both want our surname to be last for our daughter. He does still see her regularly although offers no financial suppprt and I am her main carer. We are both adamant. Where can we go from here please?

Many thanks
V 23/05/2018 at 4:56 pm
Hi, I have been separated (never married) from my eight year old son's father for just over eight years, he was in his life for the first two years, but due to social services he had a choice between every weekend or through a contact centre, he choose no contact at all, I am due to get married soon and my son (he has my surname) he wants the same name as my partner. My ex's name is on the birth certificate, my question is can I get his name changed after I'm married or will I have to get my ex's permission? Thanks.
LawAndParents Editor 15/05/2018 at 2:40 pm
Tell your son to get in touch with the school. Schools have to use a child's birth name/legal name on their records. Sometimes a school will agree to use a preferred name but where a father is still involved in a child's life they will often do so only with circumspection.
LawAndParents Editor 14/05/2018 at 2:14 pm
You should be able to change your son's name to a double-barrelled name by deed poll as long as the biological father's name is not removed entirely.
worried mum 14/05/2018 at 11:17 am
Hi, My 11 yr old son wants to double barrell is surname to include his stepfathers name, he has already asked the doctors' surgery todo and his school, which they have done. he says he doesnt want to deny the existance of his birth father but want to acknowledge the fact that he has been brought up since the age of three by my now husband. Also because he was part of our wedding and the vows in 2014. My son has had no contact from his birth father since 2010. I applied for a divorce from his birth father in 2009, on the grounds of domestic abuse, He chose to go no fixed abode, leaving me with all his business debts, because the banks/ lease hire companies couldnt find him, which i am still paying off to this day. It took me a little over 3 years to officially get divorced from him as the courts had to rule in his abscence, and so there were no child arrangements or maintenance orders, because i have long to health issues with an illness abreviated to M.E i have left it at that as i really dont need the extra stress. Nor can i afford any extra court fees, My current husband is my registered carer and works as a 0 hrs lecturer in photography. My question is, my son should really be getting a bank account and a passport renewal, how do i support my son in his wish to use his double barrelled name, i really dont want to go through the stress of having to try and hunt down our abuser, and risk bringing that person back into our lives. Is this possible and where do i find help thats not going to add to my financial pressure. Thanks
Jinty 11/05/2018 at 8:28 pm
My sons ex has told his daughters private school to call her by her mothers surname obliterating her registered surname. He has never consented to this and has parental responsibility.is this legal ?
LawAndParents Editor 08/05/2018 at 3:35 pm
If you apply to the Deed Poll office/for a court order, they will probably accept your existing court order as reason to change the name without the father's consent.
Sar 06/05/2018 at 10:46 pm
I have a court order saying that my ex can't see my daughter and hasn't seen her in 6 years. She wants to change her name to my maiden name as do I can anyone advice on how to go about it and if I am allowed to
LawAndParents Editor 30/04/2018 at 3:08 pm
You can apply to re-register the birth as you, the natural parents have married at a later date. Here is the form you need to complete
Nen 28/04/2018 at 7:39 pm
When our daughter was born we double barrelled her surname between mine and her dad's surname as marriage wasn't something we had planned. However we are now getting married and I want to take his surname. Other than changing my daughter's surname via deedpoll can we get her birth certificate changed aswell? We're both on the certificate. Thanks
LawAndParents Editor 24/04/2018 at 2:19 pm
The mother can informally double barrel the name but in order to change the name officially on documents like passports etc, she would need your consent. If you did not want to consent, she would have to apply for a court order (and the jusge would consider your objection).
Options1 23/04/2018 at 11:54 pm
Hi. I’m looking for a little advice before making an appointment with a solicitor.. My child is in my sole care - Dad is not allowed contact after many failed court attempts, he is not allowed to send cards/letters or make phone calls. Paternal GF has recently been named and shamed in newspapers and convicted with making and possessing indecent child images - for the sole safety of my child would I be able to change her surname?
Any advice would be great, thank you.
SL 23/04/2018 at 9:29 am
Hi
My son has my surname, he has just turned 6, my ex whom I have been split with for 4 years has decided she would like to double-barrel my childs surname. I don't want this for multiple reasons but nothing has been discussed with me, I intend to refuse as don't see why it would be in my sons interest, what happens if she marries, we were never married, why was it ok then and not now? Surely its a childs decision when they come of age? A name change is permanent and shouldn't be taken likely? Is it true mediation is required before she can process her request with court? I see my son regularly and would love to have him more, but she wont allow it. I have him every other weekend and every Wednesday. any advice welcome?
LawAndParents Editor 23/03/2018 at 10:47 am
The general process include notification in the Gazette. You can download the forms from the government website, the fee is £36. Here's the advice and the link
Foysal 20/03/2018 at 1:18 pm
Hi - We (my wife and I) applied through an online company to change our son's first name via Deed Poll. We duly received the deed poll document showing change of name, including instructions on getting someone to witness and sign the document, which also includes both of our signatures.

GOV.UK - guidance provides details of having to notify the change of name to the 'The Gazette', The Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, London. However, we've been advised by the online company that this isn't necessary, so long as both parents consent to changing the name, and that the deed poll document is sufficient for any establishment to accept our son's change of name (primarily his school).

Can you please clarify whether or not it is necessary to send notification to The Gazette, of our son's change of name to make it legally acceptable? Thank you.
Gtg 12/03/2018 at 7:27 pm
Hi my ex partner hasite contacting me asking for me to agree to get my daughters surname changed and have mines removed. I don't get to see my daughter as arrangements always broke down tried the arrangements through the lawyers. It's been about 2-3 years since I last had contact. I don't want her name changed as I have not given up where do I stand?
mummy6 26/02/2018 at 12:09 am
hi I have 6 children altogether but 4 of them have same name as father and other 2 do not ( not biological father) but been in there lives since 3 months old there father is not on birth certificate so they have my second name, I plan on marrying my partner so did like us all to hve same second name?? does any1 have advice on this??
LawAndParents Editor 21/02/2018 at 3:03 pm
If there is no consent forthcoming from the father (or anyone else with parental responsibility), it may be necessary to apply to courts to get the name changed. The form is court form C100
AmandaM 21/02/2018 at 6:17 am
Hi there I’m looking for some help regarding names and this site looked good at answering. I have a supervision order for my nephew and I’m trying to get his passport sorted. He has both his mother and fathers name in his name but not double barreled. His surname should be his fathers but as his father has had no contact most of his life so his mother uses her maiden name for school, doctors, dentist ect. The passport office have asked for a document stating name change but he has never legally had a name change as his mother’s name is within his name. Any advice on what I should do?
LawAndParents Editor 07/02/2018 at 11:05 am
We don't know what the laws are surrounding this issue in the USA as we are a UK based website sorry.
Anasko 07/02/2018 at 9:38 am
I would like to change my children's surname and facing the following issues:

I cannot get in tough with their biological father for several years, so cannot obtain his consent to change the surname. The children never took his surname. When I got married, I did not take his surname and on both of our children's birth certificates are my surname (not his). Since our divorce (8 years now), he has never financially supported the children and for the past 4 years doesn't make any attempts to see them. I want to change the children's surname because I got married, took my husband's surname, so now my and my youngest child's surnames are different from theirs.

Will deed poll be enough or I need to apply for the specific issue order?
LawAndParents Editor 06/02/2018 at 2:23 pm
The consent of the biological father will be needed in order to change your son's surname.
Erica 06/02/2018 at 12:50 pm
My son is 5 years old in the state of TN the US. My self and his biological father never married. I never sent out my sons actual birth certificate. I currently have the mother's copy. His biological father is living in a different state has not attempted to make contact in over 3 years to his child. His father never filed for his rights to child. I never filed for child support. Again my son is 5 years old. So he a banded his child. How could I take his biological fathers name off the mother's copy of the birth certificate. To have his surname changed to my last name. Do I still have to attempt to contact the biological father even when he has no right? With no actual birth certificate was filed?
L23 05/02/2018 at 2:54 pm
My husband has a dual citizenship, British and Irish. I have a son who is in my full custody since birth up to present. Apparently, my son is using his biological father's surname. My son and I are non British and live outside the UK. He met my son in 2014 during my husband's first visit. We have travelled abroad with my son together and several out of towns and they really get along well. I have asked my son's opinion about his stepdad adopting him and he was pleased to know that. Moreover, my husband and I want my son to include him in visa application for him to live with us in the UK as there will be no one to take care of him back home. My husband even considered of adopting my son but we know that the process is quite long and tedious. Fortunately, we came across to a site saying that the other option is changing name by deed poll. Is it possible for my husband who lives in the UK to apply deed of change of name for his step son? We desperately need your reply. Million thanks x
LawAndParents Editor 31/01/2018 at 3:18 pm
If the father does want parental responsibility in the future he can still apply to the courts to have his name added to the birth certificate anyway if she chooses.
anita 31/01/2018 at 8:04 am
can I give my newborn the fathers surname without adding him on the birth certficate we are not together anymore and he does not want parental responsibility.
I have always liked his surname better than mine but would this cause further problems for me if my child has his surname ? if in future he wanted parental rights ?
LawAndParents Editor 30/01/2018 at 10:39 am
She can use whatever name she likes. If she wants to formalise this, she can apply to change her name by deed poll.
dobie 27/01/2018 at 8:44 pm
my husband and I changed my then 10 yr old daughters birth sirname to my husbands by using a solicitor she is now 33 and didn't havea say at the time shes used my husbands sirname since then 23 yrs can she legally reuse her birth sirname and change to this if so what would she have to do shes lost her change of name certificate and cannot get any copys as its been to long she needs to get photo id for jobs and passport she only has her ni card in her new name and birth certificate thanks
LawAndParents Editor 26/01/2018 at 12:34 pm
You would have to apply to the courts and make a name change (without father's consent) request on the basis of what you've told us above. The form you will need is C100
Ls 24/01/2018 at 12:40 pm
Hi I have 3 boys with a double barrel surname.....can I have have this changed to just my surname rather than both? Was told this is not possible. I split wity father and had domestic violence and other police involvement in regards to ex and am concerned that the children carrying his surname could be bad for them in future due to what there father has done.. is this possible he has no involvement and is not allowed near me or the children by law please advise would be appreciated
LawAndParents Editor 19/01/2018 at 10:49 am
No, you need his permission.
LawAndParents Editor 16/01/2018 at 2:13 pm
If you cannot trace the father's whereabouts you can sometimes change the name by deed poll. If this is no approved, you will need a court order - here is a link to the information/form
Pink 16/01/2018 at 8:22 am
Hi,

My 8 year old daughter has a double barrelled surname, mine and my ex boyfriends, we’ve been separated since she was 2, before she was born he was insistent that she not only be known by my last name hence the double barrel. I’ve since got married, my husband took my name as he didn’t want my daughter to feel left out and different (even though she’s double barrelled) from the rest of us and any future children we may have (we now also have a 2 year old daughter) she has weekly contact with her dad, but he has recently got married and taken his wife’s surname, which means our daughter now has a name that doesn’t belong to him. As he’s relinquished his surname am I entitled to change my daughters name to just mine without permission? He is on her birth certificate.
LawAndParents Editor 15/01/2018 at 1:55 pm
If both the children's father agree, this should be a fairly straight forward process of changing the names by deed poll. Here is the form you need to complete plus fee details
Mommy 13/01/2018 at 4:30 pm
I have a 5 year old daughter turning 6 this year.. She is using her biological father's surname. Since his father supported him until she was 2yrs old and after that he stopped because he impregnated somebody else. I bring the case to legal court and lastyear they gave a warrant of arrest for not giving financial support. But unforetunately they cannot locate him by his address before where they live. Maybe he changed his house because of that. Anyway, is it possible for me to file a legal action to change my daughters surname back to my maiden name? Since we dont know where is her father now. What are the requirements if ever? Coz she also wants to use my surname badly. Uts so hard for her to write and pronounce the long surname of her father. I hope the process will be fast so I can apply a passport for her.
Emma 12/01/2018 at 3:52 pm
I have two children to my husband, one before we got married and one after. They are both in my maiden name as I wasn’t going to take my husbands name but have now decided too. How do I change my children’s name to his? He is on the birth certificates
LawAndParents Editor 10/01/2018 at 3:29 pm
Sometimes if the father cannot be traced and there has been domestic violence, a deedpoll request will be allowed without the need for father's consent or for a court order. See this page for contact details etc
LawAndParents Editor 10/01/2018 at 12:02 pm
If your son, as the father, has parental responsibility, the mother cannot change the child's surname without his consent. If she does so, he can take action via the legal system.
nikki 09/01/2018 at 7:04 pm
Hi, been seperated from my husband 2 years now. He beat me up in front of our daughter who is 7. It resulted in 999 and has had harrassment warning about 18 months ago. He hasn't attempted to see our daughter and hasn't contributed financially. I am changing to my madien name my daughter wants to change too. Can she? I don't know where her dad is and he has changed his number. My solicitor wrote to a c/o address stating he can see her but he has never replied.
SL 07/01/2018 at 6:20 pm
My son's ex partner of a year has told us that their son who is 4 will be called by her surname when he goes to school. She has an older child at school with her surname, she wants them both to have the same surname. My son has both children to stay over usually twice every 8 days. We as a family are still part of their lives. From a baby he has always known his name as my son's. He is now starting to say her surname. What can we do to stop her using a known as name in school?
Ah 06/01/2018 at 4:03 am
My friend used to married but they were separated for over 10 years and she got a son with other and she still using her ex last name for her son .
The point is right now they got divorce and she changed back her last name to what she had before married .
Can she change her son last name back .
Will 20/12/2017 at 6:49 pm
My ex has remarried and has another child with her current husband but they have "unofficially" changed my daughter's surname to theirs. When I say unofficially I mean that my daughter has been registered at her school under her christened name but is being called by her "preferred" name. I had no say in this decision whatsoever, and it was only by chance that I found out
Is this allowed, or am I within my legal rights to tell the school that she must be known and addressed by her christened name
I'm not sure about any out of school clubs that she attends and how I could influence them.
Many thanks
Lou 06/12/2017 at 9:50 am
My daughter has my ex’s surname.But he changed his surname two years ago without telling me. Now he wont let me change or double barrell her surname so at least she has one of our surnames. What can i do?
LawAndParents Editor 05/12/2017 at 1:00 pm
You need the consent of the natural father to change a child's name by deed poll. If you don't have the consent you will need to apply to the courts for the name change.
Mother 02/12/2017 at 9:53 pm
Hi I have a three year old son his biological father has been out of the picture since he was 10months old due to social services saying it need to go to a contact centre which has not happened since then I have recently done suprervised visit in the park with my current partner and my son and his father he sees him for a hour and that's it and he has already failed to see him already. He has never paid any maintance or helped with anything the only reason why he got to see my son as we saw him in the town that I live in. I have a child with my current partner and see has my partners surname and my three year old son has my surname can I change my sons surname to my partners surname so he can have the same surname as his sister and me as we are planning to get married
LawAndParents Editor 01/12/2017 at 3:02 pm
As long as both parents agree on the name change, you can do this by deed poll. The fee is £36.
Wentworth 30/11/2017 at 10:10 am
Hi my son's father was in prison when he was born so when I registered him I put my maiden name, as I had to older daughter's from a previous marriage and double-barreled their names. When he goes released from prison I had another son with him.. so when .y first son started nursery I put his surname as power "his father's surname" because I knew 2 years later my youngest son would go to they same school. So both son are known as power but I'm worried now as my oldest son is 14 years and it won't be long before he needs identification for banks etc. Pleas could you help and is it an expensive fee
Thanks
Melanie Hilliard
Loulou 21/11/2017 at 7:28 pm
My daughter has my ex’s surname. But he changed it two years ago without telling me. Now he wont let me change or double barrell hers so at least she has one of our surnames. Can i get a court order?
LawAndParents Editor 01/11/2017 at 3:47 pm
She can apply to the courts to have the name changed. The courts may consider allowing the name change if the father is not involved in the children's lives at all. The fact that he doesn't pay maintenance will not really have any bearing on the case.
AJ 31/10/2017 at 9:36 pm
Trying to help my niece who had a boyfriend and they had a son but they never lived together and indeed separated before the child was born, he has paid no or very little child support and 7 years later she married to her partner. The child ha always had her surname but he is refusing to give permission to allow the newly wed couple to take her husbands surname as she has.

Seems very unfair
LawAndParents Editor 31/10/2017 at 12:37 pm
You could try contacting the school directly. Schools usually use any "official" name (i.e the name that is on a birth certificate/passport etc) on a school file but will concur with parents' wishes for a "known as name - that may be what's happened here.
Dad 28/10/2017 at 4:33 pm
Hi. my daughter has a double barrel name (mine and her mams surname.) however I have just found out that her mam has registered my daughter as only her surname with her school. I asked her mam if she would change it to her name that is on the birth certificate and she said she would, however she hasn't. Is their something I can do to get my daughters name changed to her real name?
( I am on my daughters birth certificate and have always been in my daughters life and have regular contact with her!)
LawAndParents Editor 17/10/2017 at 10:17 am
We don't know what her reasons could be but as long as his name is not being removed, we guess he doesn't really mind? He doesn't have to consent to the name change anyway.
LawAndParents Editor 16/10/2017 at 11:11 am
Firstly try and contact the natural father and ask his consent. If you cannot trace his whereabouts or he will not consent, you will need to apply to court for the name change.
Samdav578 16/10/2017 at 1:13 am
Hi my partner has three kids all his kids got double barrel last names so their mothers last name then his last name but for some reason she had asked to change it and take hers out he’s asked bumptious times why now after all this time and she keeps saying personal reasons he hasn’t a clue what to do and why she being like this he has his kids when he’s ment to and much more and all she has done is be awkward so it’s hard to trust what she saying could some help please
Fred 13/10/2017 at 10:54 am
My stepson father walked out on him when he was 2 he is 13 now. I have been with his Mum 10years and married 2years how could we change his name we have no contact with his father. Thanks
LawAndParents Editor 10/10/2017 at 3:49 pm
As long as the paperwork and school records show his full double barrelled name - he can be called whatever he chooses.
Cass 09/10/2017 at 2:41 pm
I am in a court battle with my sons father as the moment and the father hasn’t been involved in my sons life consistently at all and my son is now 10. I changed my sons name when he was 5 to the same as mine and during a court hearing the judge decided to change it to a double barrel name which I objected but was forced. I have taken the paperwork into the school and the school informed me that my son can have a known by name for his books and In class but on the school system he will have the name ordered by court. Today the school have rang to say that actually because of the court case and order I am unable to have a known by name, is this correct?
Nikki 04/10/2017 at 10:45 pm
I understand that a child's legal name has to be used when registering but my question was how to do I go about using a known as name. The father lives in London. (No idea where or who he is employed by) Said our child was dead to him and hasn't seen her since. He wouldn't go to the trouble of taking me to court so that isnt an issue. If he can't pay child support in almost 3 years he isn't going to bother paying court costs for a child he wants nothing to do with. Thank you
LawAndParents Editor 04/10/2017 at 2:21 pm
No that's not true. You need the consent of the biological father to change a child's surname. If you do not know where the father is or he does not consent, you need to apply for a court order to change the names legally.
Mrs Adams 03/10/2017 at 7:17 pm
Hi there. I have 2 daughters from a previous marriage. They are 13 and 9. Their biological father has no contact and has already said in our divorce petition that he will wait to see them when they are 18. He has had no contact from they were 7 and 3
I have now got remarried and changed both my daughters surname in their schools- at their request. Is it true that if my daughters are known by my new married name for 5 years then I can change their legal surname without bio Fathers permission? I have no idea where he is, no home address, email or even a contact number.
LawAndParents Editor 02/10/2017 at 3:48 pm
A child’s legal name must be used when registering them at school and if the other parent (finds out and) disagrees with the ‘known as name’ they can still apply to the court to prevent it.
nikki 30/09/2017 at 4:05 am
Hi my little one is 3. We haven't seen the father since being 7 months old. Has his surname. Can I use a "known as" name at nursery and school (my surname) and how would I do this please? At home we use my surname, never the fathers, and this is the only surname my little one knows of. Thank you
LawAndParents Editor 27/09/2017 at 10:20 am
You would need the father's consent in order to change her name by deed poll. If you are unable to contact the father, you will need to apply to the courts.
aa17 25/09/2017 at 12:23 pm
Hi my daughters biologic father has had no contact with her since she was 3 she is now 8 , she is known as with my husband surname since she was 4can I change her surname legally by deed poll or do I need to go to court as I need to get her passport done as well
LawAndParents Editor 20/09/2017 at 2:30 pm
Where has he lived during life? Is the father a UK citizen? Sorry there's not really enough information for us to answer this.
LawAndParents Editor 20/09/2017 at 12:07 pm
Your child has a right to contact with his father, the mother should not prevent this or only agree to this on the basis of certain conditions being met. You should try a mediation service to draw up a contact agreement (this can be made legally enforceable by the courts subsequently if necessary). If mediation doesn't work, you can apply to the courts for a Child Arrangements order using the form C100.
She 20/09/2017 at 8:18 am
My grandson was born abroad, 4 years ago. He has a Cypriot birth certificate, his mother now wants to get a UK certificate a, without the fathers name on it. They are not married. Is she allowed to do this, also change my grandsons surname.
TylersDAD 19/09/2017 at 8:09 pm
I have a son Tyler who is 5 nearly 6 this month...his mum had stopped me seeing him I've messaged her everyday to try and see him to which she ignored me for the start of her stopping me it's been nearly 5 months now and she recently messaged me saying she wants me to sign to have his name changed which I declined she won't let me see him and speak to him the only way she will let me have contact is if I sign to have his name changed which I do not want she is blackmailing me what can I do
LawAndParents Editor 19/09/2017 at 10:30 am
If you as the father have parental responsibility, your consent is required before your daughter's surname can be changed.
Billy 17/09/2017 at 12:55 am
Can you help me my daughter is wanting too change her surname can she change her mother married name as l have parent rights thought the courts thank you .......
LawAndParents Editor 15/09/2017 at 2:38 pm
There is nothing preventing you from applying to courts... we can't say what their decision will be though.
LawAndParents Editor 15/09/2017 at 11:12 am
You do not have the natural father's consent, you will have to apply for a court order in order to change the names, rather than simply making a deed poll application.
Ktlou86 14/09/2017 at 4:37 pm
Hi my son has a current double barrelled surname which was changed by deed poll from just his fathers on his agreements , being mine and my separated partners name.
I want to re-marry and take my new partners name and change the part of my sons surname that is my maiden name to my new partners, however his father will not agree this. Can I apply to court on the basis that he already has my surname but obviously as I am changing mine I now wish him to have my new partners as a double barrelled to his fathers?
Lisa79 12/09/2017 at 5:47 pm
Hi I'm getting married to my partner and my daughters who are not his are asking can they also change their name they are 4 and 8 and they have no contact with their father who is on their birth certificates due to domestic violence, can I apply to have their names changed
LawAndParents Editor 07/09/2017 at 12:48 pm
A court order may be required to change the name officially. It should be a fairly straightforward process if the father is not allowed contact with the children anyway.
grandad 05/09/2017 at 9:12 pm
My grandchildern ages 10-13 years old wish to change their surname to their mothers. They haven't seen or have any form of contact with their father in over 5-6 years. There is a court order on the father who is legally not allowed physicall contact with them.he's aloud to write or send birthday cards but don't. Due to his drink and drug addiction and violent past he is now living on the streets.How can my grandchildern take their mothers surname.
nelley 31/08/2017 at 3:28 pm
hello, my sons have a double barrelled surname - mine and the dad. is it too late to amend this and will it be possible to change it to just the dad's surname?
Jill 30/08/2017 at 12:31 am
My sons partner died when youngest child was 4,her Mother did not give her my sons surname as she didn't want the name to die out.My grandchild wants the same surname as her older btother as they go to the same school is this hard to do both parents were together but my son would have preferred it if it was a double barreled.
LawAndParents Editor 15/08/2017 at 11:23 am
No it's not possible for a grandparent to apply for parental responsibility unless there is some sort of guardianship in place.
Mother 12/08/2017 at 9:20 pm
I asked you about my granddaughters surname. Can I get made parental responsibility just in case something happen to her mam,then I could say know to change of surname as I know my son would not want it changed. If I can how do I go about it.
LawAndParents Editor 10/08/2017 at 2:29 pm
You need consent from the biological father if you want to change your child's name. You may have to apply to the courts if you can't gain this consent.
Niamh 10/08/2017 at 1:57 pm
My son has my last name (I am his mother)
His birth father hasn't had contact since my son was a few months old, (he's now coming 6) however is on his birth cert. I am wanting to know when I marry will I be able to change my son's name to my husband's so as myself my two children and husband will all have the same surname. Thanks.
LawAndParents Editor 08/08/2017 at 2:48 pm
The mother can apply to change the first child's surname, all she needs is consent from any other parties with parental responsibility. This is usually the father but as he is deceased, it may not be required (unless you have applied for parental responsibility at some point?)
Mother 07/08/2017 at 9:58 pm
My son had my granddaughter his name is on her birth certificate. My son died a year after she was born and 2 weeks before his wedding. Now girlfriend is living with someone else and has had another baby to him. If there get married can there change my granddaughters names to his as I feel vey worry about this.
LawAndParents Editor 26/07/2017 at 12:42 pm
He can use both but you can only change it back to yours if the natural father consents.
nosi 19/07/2017 at 11:33 pm
can I change my son surname back to mine from his fathers or can he use both
Nicola 16/07/2017 at 9:41 am
My son has my maiden name I got married a year ago my son dose not see his dad or his dad not on the birth certificate. My son wants to change his name to my married name can someone please tell me if his dad can stop me
Mike 13/07/2017 at 12:19 pm
Is there any help groups for my ex partner and myself to talk to, we are finding communication very difficult as she is consistently rude which in turn makes me argumentative. Obviously this is not fair on our daughter who is nearly 2. We have a fair routine in place but it is seriously grinding us both down.
LawAndParents Editor 26/06/2017 at 1:47 pm
You can't "get her arrested" but you can take action via the courts to reverse this if the court agrees.
Mark Naylor 23/06/2017 at 5:48 pm
I would like some advice on whether or not it is possible for me to get my ex arrested for illegally changing my daughters surnames
LawAndParents Editor 22/06/2017 at 11:36 am
You will need to apply for a court order to have her name changed officially if the father will not give consent.
poshlady40 20/06/2017 at 8:06 am
Please could you help I wish to change my daughters surname either solely to mine or double barrel it so later on she can choose whether to keep both or single it. Her father left us when she was 9 months old and we divorced. She is 4 yrs old and doesn't really know her surname at present. I don't know her fathers address and the only contact we had was through the women he had the affair with. she never saw her father until she was 3 and now she hasn't seen him since late march this year. he does everything he can to pay minim payments for her including registering his partners daughter on his cma claim so he pays less as there is a 16 years old child in his place of residence. so his daughter looses out and to get at me. I didn't want a single name at birth but was forced into giving her his name instead of double barrelling. I spoke to hgis partner topass on message that I wish to change her name and the reply was instant NO with no reason, he has never had any envolvment in her life and infact only when his partner forced the issue he began to see her. He has never had any invilvemnt in thed esion making regarding hursery schooling etc and never cared when he kicked us all (myself and two children out of our home when we separated. Please could you let me know the best avenue to go down Many thanks
Rach 16/06/2017 at 6:36 am
My partner wasn't married to his sons mother at the time of birth and the mother registered the son with his father being present giving him the name of her 1st husband.
They later got married then spilt 18 months later.
I work in registration and advised my partner that his sons birth should have been 're registered which had been done and my partner is now on the birth certificate giving my partner parental responsibility however his son still has another mans last name.
Please could someone advise what we need to do to give him the correct surname, my partner is not yet divorced from her as she is refusing to pay towards the divorce so as they are still married does this make any difference on the name change
LawAndParents Editor 14/06/2017 at 12:47 pm
You may need to apply to the courts if the natural father will not consent.
La Abeija 11/06/2017 at 1:07 pm
My 7r old son has a double barrelled surname belonging to me and my ex husband. I am in a happy relationships and my son and new partner dote on each other. (My son doesn't have much contact with his real Dad - he last saw him 4 months ago and 4 months before that.)

Me and my partner recently had a baby and consequently the new baby has a different surname to my first son. My first son is desperate to have the same surname as his "new Dad" and of the new baby.

My ex is refusing

What can I do?
amz 08/06/2017 at 1:22 pm
Hi I was wanting to know if it's possible to change my birth surname. I am now 29 and married but I would like to have my step father named as father on my birth certificate as my birth father was not present in my life nor raised me. I'm unsure if this is possible but it would me a lot to both of us.

Thank
Leanne 08/06/2017 at 10:10 am
Hi me and my ex split when our little girl was 9 months old, my question is can I double-barrel her name without his consent. I'm still keeping his surname but added mine aswell ??
c.yah 01/06/2017 at 11:53 pm
Hello everyone i need to know whether i can eventually change into or add my partners surname to my baby. Im planning to use mine first and if we get married or things work out more then i will probably add my partners surname to our baby's.
Dolly 01/06/2017 at 7:46 pm
I have a 6 months old son and his last name is double barrelled with mine and the fathers, the father is not envolved by his choice and I've never had a maintenance payment from him, I tried to get him
Involved but he didn't want to know despite him being on the birth certificate. I want to get rid of his name and just have my name as my sons surname, I don't know where he is and have no way of contacting him, how do I go about this?
LawAndParents Editor 22/05/2017 at 2:41 pm
Not really if the father doesn't consent, but you could change it so it's a double barrelled name or make sure that the middle name is considered a surname. That way, the end bit could "drop off" eventually by people he deals with, if not on official documents.
Penny 21/05/2017 at 4:03 pm
Hi a question my son has fathers surname and my surname as his middle name but dad has married and had children my son is desperate to have names swapped around so dads as middle name and same surname as me and his sister but dad refuses anything I can do
Deeks 20/05/2017 at 1:15 pm
Hi I have a 10 year old daughter with my ex partner who remarried and has two children with new husband. I'm on the birth certificate and see my daughter weekly by court order. My daughter has her mothers surname on birth certificate (which I didn't agree with). She asked me weeks ago to change my daughters surname to her husbands (she has changed it at school,doctors etc years ago without my consent) and gets my child to call her new husband dad from when they met. She asked 3 weeks ago and because I haven't said yes I have a threatening solicitors letter saying I have 3 weeks to agree or it's going to costs and all costs will be seeked to be met by me. My daughter has told me she wants to change her name but also told mum she wanted my surname last year and her mum said to wait till she was older. I've told my daughter the same but have been told she will seek my daughter to speak in court telling the judge she wants step fathers name is this right ?
Jeiz 17/05/2017 at 8:54 pm
Hi , i need ur help. Just want to ask if i can still change the surname of my son ? He carry the last name of his stepdad. But now were not together . Can i change it back to my last name ? What are the process
LawAndParents Editor 12/05/2017 at 9:48 am
Only with the consent of the other parent with parental responsibility.
Mel 10/05/2017 at 3:40 pm
Hi, can I register a child at school using one half of their double barrelled surname. E.g. Given name John Smith-Doe.... name used at school John Doe.
LawAndParents Editor 09/05/2017 at 1:59 pm
Yes as long as you do not remove his father's name from your child's completely, this is not an issue.
B 08/05/2017 at 12:14 pm
Hi I'm just wondering how to go about my child's name, he is currently registered as his dad's surname but me and his father are not together and I was wondering so I have to have consent from him to add my surname onto the end so it becomes double barrelled? It would be so much easier when registering him with thing as we would have the same name then
Thanks
aparent 29/04/2017 at 12:38 am
My ex wife changed my son and daughters names without my consent even though she knew how to contact me and I was seeing the children regularly although this ceased some year or two before the name changes. My ex wife would have made some kind of declaration at the time.
Has an offence been committed?
LawAndParents Editor 24/04/2017 at 12:44 pm
The courts will contact the natural father to ask for consent for a name change. The background may or may not affect the decision.
Bessie 23/04/2017 at 10:10 am
Hi I have a 10 year old son whom hasn't seen his dad since he was 2 he's made no attempt to contact him he actually went to jail for assaulting me and is a violent man I'm now with my new partner off 8 years whom I get married to next year my son calls him dad and nows no other I've applied for a court order but not sure if they contact his real dad I'm petrified he contests it purely to spite me he's not a nice person and don't want him in my sons life any advice would be great thank you
Lamb 13/04/2017 at 2:26 pm
My 11 yr old daughter we have changed her name by deed pole to howarth
She has always been known at school as howarth she starting high school
Will her exams from the government come in howarth or in her birth surname

Who do I have to contact
I've done her passport
Doctors dentist etc
It's just her national insurance number I'm struggling knowing the right people to phone or forms to fill in
LawAndParents Editor 10/04/2017 at 2:06 pm
As you are not removing the father's name, this should not be an issue and you should be able to make the change by deed poll quite easily.
Bobbie 07/04/2017 at 5:08 pm
Hello, please can you help me? I have spoke with my ex about adding my surname to my son's name (so his surname is double barrelled). He never provides a clear answer. How would you advise me to proceed as he has PR? Thank you in advance.
SD 06/04/2017 at 12:32 pm
Hi
My husband was previously married and in that marriage he brought up a child who was not biologically his, they applied for a passport and didn't want the daughter to find out she wasn't really his so they went to the court and sat in front of a panel who gave them some kind of an order to send off with the passport application to allow the daughters surname to show as his.
The daughters mom has since passed away and we are needing to do things that require birth certificate and passport evidence. It wasn't done by deed poll...,have you got any idea what kind of order would have been given??
LawAndParents Editor 21/03/2017 at 12:23 pm
You can change her name by deed poll. Here is where to download the forms
Lee 18/03/2017 at 3:40 pm
Hi I have been with my partner for nearly 6 years we have a 3 year old son together also I have a 10 year old daughter to another man but my partner as took my daughter on as is own daughter my daughter biological dad as died and we are wanting to give my daughter her step dad last name but also keep her biological dad last name too how can we do this
Dave 25/02/2017 at 7:58 pm
My ex has changed my sons name legally without my permission and I have only just found out, I see my son regularly and have always been available to contact as she knows where I live.what can I do about this?
jenna 14/02/2017 at 5:05 pm
Hi I have a daughter who is 10 in march her biological father walked away when she was 2 nearly 3 and no contact has been made since. I have since met my former partner who has brought up my daughter and supported her I tryed many ways to contact her biological father about change of name and never had anything back other than a message from a family member stating her biological father has already told me he wants nothing to do with my or my daughter now iv changed her name by depol but im having trouble with her passport I cant afford court right now n iv still no contact details for her biological father any advice on what I can do x
Shaz 27/01/2017 at 10:39 pm
I'm separated from my kids father since 2009 n he's not allowed to see the kids I want to changed my kids dads last name to mine without his permission ??
Kay 25/01/2017 at 3:04 pm
My daughter is 2 and a half but hasn't seen her dad in 2 years, she currently has his surname but I now want it double barrelled but he will only give permission if his name is last without a hyphen. If this was to happen then would it still be possible for my surname to be classed as everything for her? (I know full surname will have to be on official documents) but I've heard people say that they class the first surname as more of a middle name, I just wanted to know if I would have problems since it was be the end name.
LawAndParents Editor 11/01/2017 at 10:32 am
The school cannot change your children's name from the name they are "known as" but their registered names are those that need to be on all official forms etc. You can change the names easily by deed poll if their father consents to it. Here's the link to the government website where you can download the application form.
LawAndParents Editor 11/01/2017 at 10:28 am
Your consent is needed before his name can be changed assuming you have parental responsibility (see the above article to check). If you do not give your consent your ex partner can apply for a court order to change it but she will have to explain her reasons for the change and that you have refused consent. If his name is changed, you still have to pay maintenance as he's your child.
LawAndParents Editor 11/01/2017 at 10:25 am
If you have parental responsibility you can apply to change the name by deed poll. Here's where you can download the application form
Mhairi 08/01/2017 at 12:27 pm
My ex partner made me double barrel my surname when I became pregnant with our first child and I refused to abort. When we registered our son I didn't realise he had put just his surname and he then said that the child would be known as the double barrelled name I went by. He wouldn't change it officially and my life became awful as he changed from a man who spoilt me to a very aggressive controlling person. I eventually got pregnant and she was given the double barrelled name and again he refused to pay for my son's that day saying I hadn't been good enough by the time she was born we were already separating. ...

When we eventually separated both children were known just as mine we all dropped his name he agreed to this at the school. However 5 year's on the school my children are now are threatening me to change my 11 year old son's back to just his can this happen after 11 year's?
Djtrump 06/01/2017 at 4:21 pm
Hi gradually my ex has poisoned my son against me and i havent seen him in months and he doesnt want to see me and ive recently heard hes maybe changing his name to her name. Is it true both parents have to consent or can a judge rule it. No way am i going to court as im still paying of the last nightmare? Also ive paid faithfully from the day she walked, but if she did change his nane will i still be responsible fir csa payments?
Lana 06/01/2017 at 6:35 am
My daughter fell pregnant at the age of 14. And doesnt know who the father is. My husband and i took the baby because she didnt want him. His 5 years old now and we want to change is surname to ours for she has a other surname. How can we do it without father consent for we dont know who he is and our son only knows us as his parents and our surname to not my daughters. Please give advise thank you
Tonya 10/12/2016 at 6:21 pm
To whom it may concern:
My son currently carries my last name. My father brought it to my attention that I need to consider adding or changing my son's last name to his deceased Father's name since his father was an only child and he is a male. My son is 10 years old. It is something that I want to do, how should I go about actually changing or adding his last name. Thanks in advance.

Tonya.
jo 17/11/2016 at 7:35 pm
Can I change my sons surname to mine on his birth certificate with his father's permission
LawAndParents Editor 15/11/2016 at 10:02 am
If you cannot get his consent, you will need to apply for a court order (C100) to have their names changed.
Jessica 13/11/2016 at 8:19 am
I have 13yr old twin daughters. I was 18 when they were born and foolishly thought their father would always be a part of their life and gave them his last name. 3 months after their birth we split and he never even came around to visit them unless his mother forced him to. He hasn't seen them since they were a year old and don't even know where he is nor do I receive child support payments from him! My daughters have recently expressed their desire to change their last name to my own. Do I need his permission to change their last names if he's never been a part of their lives?
Vm 11/11/2016 at 2:29 pm
Is this a crime on her part as this has effected me big time feel like all been a lie making me live in a differnt name to then effect me when I'm older
Don't think this is right
Vm 11/11/2016 at 2:27 pm
My mum changed my unifficially when I was 2 in the year 89, at the age of 27 due to a job carried out a dbs who told me , they couldn't do one as my birth verification was in my biological fathers name, I therefore loads the job as I had to ally through deedpoll to be changed to the one on my birth verification also solicitors document to support my name change,on effect I've lived a falso life my qualifications are void.
LawAndParents Editor 11/11/2016 at 2:20 pm
You need to apply to the court to have the name changed. You'll be expected to explain why you can't get the father's consent etc The court form you need is form C100 - choose Specific Issue Order.
ren23 10/11/2016 at 2:57 pm
I'd like to change my sons surname he is on the birth certificate but he hasn't seen my son in 7 years we don't know where he is and I don't get CSA from him either and he was violent and abusive to us all my daughters have my maiden name so I would like my son to have my name to how do I stand with this please?
LawAndParents Editor 08/11/2016 at 11:35 am
You have not removed the father's surname and have added your own for uniformity, so that your child does not have a different surname to yours. The courts would probably view this as being in the best of your child, so it's unlikely your ex would get very far if legal action were taken.
Liny 06/11/2016 at 6:47 pm
Hi, my partner left me 3 years ago . We have one young child who is registered in his surname. He has refused several times to agree to child having a double barrel surname as I wish to add my surname to it. I have started using the double barrel name and child also likes having my name added to it. I have found out today that the ex has taken photos of the double barrel surname that I have written in child's school reading record which from past experience will be passed onto a solicitor and I will be bullied again by his legal team. Am I in my rights to call and use a double barrel name even though it's not a legal change? Thanks
LawAndParents Editor 17/10/2016 at 12:59 pm
You can apply to have the name changed either at the register office where the original registration took place or the General Registry Office. There's more information here
Mrsst1 16/10/2016 at 2:30 pm
Hi my daughter is 9 months old and although married when she was born and my husband being her father I used my maiden name for her surname. How can I add or change her last name to our family name?
LawAndParents Editor 05/10/2016 at 10:29 am
To get his passport replaced he could try reporting the one he's lost Information is here. It might be easier than trying to change names by deed poll etc
meesch 04/10/2016 at 5:47 am
Hi my stepson is 19 yrs old his mother registered him at birth in her name his dad knew but was told later she wanted to change her name by deed poll to his , he was always then known as his dads surname but his birth cert was maiden name he has lost his passport and now needs a replacement as he is struggling to provide any legal document . We are trying to help him he is going to change his name too by deed poll to his dads and he has had a passport two previous ones in his dads name can we use a deed poll to get his passport replaced as he is soon to be 20 years old , also he has a son registered at birth in the surname he believed to be does that mean that is also now unofficial? Please could you advise us.
LawAndParents Editor 20/09/2016 at 12:14 pm
Yes you can but often double barrelling a name is acceptable without taking it to the courts.
FON & UFT 18/09/2016 at 4:25 pm
I would like to add my surname to my daughters. My daughter currently has her fathers name only. My intention is for her to have both surnames and have a double barrelled name reflecting both. My ex has refused to give his written permission and has parental responsibility. I do not want to remove his simply add mine for purposes of passports and school etc. Can I take this matter to court?
s&d 17/09/2016 at 7:10 pm
Hi there. I'm in Scotland and am looking for advice please. My husband was removed from our family home after I couldn't take no more of him hitting me. I have a new man in my life & my children now think of him as their dad. He plays Lego with my son who's only 8 and to an 8 year old boy that's what a dad does, his real dad didn't. My boy wants to be known by his step-dad's surname. I have heard that I can collect a form so my child can be 'known as ....' I understand his name can not be changed officially but is it ok to have him 'known as' ? Thank you
Ange 16/09/2016 at 10:58 am
Hi my 15 year old son has always had a double barrel name
But we have only ever used one which is mine
Me and his father agree if it's possible to remove his name so our son only has my surname how do we go about changing all of this legally please
Pat 11/09/2016 at 10:50 pm
Apart from the name change possibly being overturned....what could happen if a mother changes a child's name without fathers permission? Can anything happen to them? Like a punishment from the court?
blueberry 01/09/2016 at 11:59 am
hi my now 1 year old child has my surname (mother) and his dad has put in to court to change his surname to his (fathers) we are unmarried, never lived together and not on bc although he has been awarded PR . I dont want double barrelled how can i stop this happening :(
Hayley Keegan 31/08/2016 at 4:30 pm
My daughter is going to be 15yrs soon she wants to change her surname so it's the same as mine. Me and her dad divorced 7yrs ago he does not bother with her he does not pay we don't know where he lives and he does not have no contact by phone even his family don't know where he is. Is this possible to do
Nic1628 31/08/2016 at 10:40 am
Hi, my 2 children have a double barrelled surname, 'Hewitt-benson' my name being hewitt, my children's father has let my children down for about 3 years now (when we split due to drugs) and now hasn't seen them since boxing day 2015. Is there a way I can drop their fathers surname 'benson'

Thankyou.
mozay 26/08/2016 at 4:30 pm
I was born in Germany by non-Eu African parents left Germany at a young age to Africa.But the surname in my birth certificate my dad doesn't use it anymore he has changed is name what can I do to claim my citizenship by birth
LawAndParents Editor 26/08/2016 at 11:41 am
We can only give advice on UK laws sorry. If you were in the UK you would need the consent of the father of the child before you could change his name.
sandybaby 23/08/2016 at 10:01 am
hi I need advice, my daughter is 6 months old now, and she having my father's name, can I change it to her father's name,though we had misunderstanding before and we were separated before I gave birth, but the rarhus in Germany refuses to change it.though we're back again. please how can I change it, from nigeria
Boojee 22/07/2016 at 1:37 pm
My child's grandparents have been taking care of my son for few years now they want to change his last name to their last name what can I do to stop it
Nma 22/07/2016 at 10:37 am
Please is it possible for my husband to change the surname of our children without my consent, we are still married.
How do I find out if he has already done the change.
If he has, what is my right.
inneedofhelp 22/07/2016 at 9:30 am
Hi, I need some advice, my 2 and half year old has carries my ex's last name we have been split for 2 years I want to add my surname in so he has a double barrelled last name but my ex is refusing. I know I can go through the courts but whats the likely hood of it happening? Has anyone else had problems with this?
Confused2016 21/07/2016 at 7:58 pm
I have a 7yr to my ex partner and as we were together at time of having her his name is on the birth cert however. He has been known by his non bio fathers name for over 10years so this was the name put on our childs certificate for his name (his bio surname in brackets with previously known next to it) as well as the surname for our child. I am just wondering if this is correct and legal or do i/should i change it to my surname. As fear my child will grow up ask about the extra name next to her dads and she wil be confused as his bio dad passed away before her birth etc so knows nothing of her dad bio family
LawAndParents Editor 12/07/2016 at 10:34 am
If your ex boyfriend (whose surname your son is using) is not the biological father, we assume he does not have parental responsibility and therefore you will not need his consent. To change your son's name to yours, you can download and complete this form. If you want to use the biological father's name you will need his consent first.
florida 09/07/2016 at 10:01 pm
please help me with this my 2yrs old son use my ex boyfriend surname and we no longer together how can i change his surname to mine or his biological father
Dannii 25/06/2016 at 1:21 am
Hi I have a question please someone help me
I was very young when I had my son and was not married yet so we opted to put both mother and farther name on his birth certificate as I was worried if we seperated for some reason I would be raising a child with a different last name and I did all the hard work anyway 21 years later we are married and have been for some time our son has always gone under his dad's name and it's never been a problem till he got his license he has to change I'd to include my last name and his saying how it's not his name as his never used it so my question is how do I legally drop my madden name off his birth certificate in new Australia
Ceri-Leanne 31/05/2016 at 12:16 am
My daughter currently has my ex's surname and he hasn't been around for over a year now, i want to add my surname to her current surname so she has both, can i do this without my ex's permisson?
dilshan 27/05/2016 at 9:21 am
I am a Sri Lankan citizen and soon I am going to marry my filipina girlfriend in Sri Lanka.
She is a single mother and never married before. She has a 4y old daughter. What is the procedure of changing the name of the child ? Which parties we have to contact regarding this change ? Is it possible to do this in Sri Lanka or we have to visit phillipine for that ?
Thanks in Advance..
LawAndParents Editor 18/05/2016 at 2:06 pm
If your daughter's father will not grant his consent to the name change, you will have to see a court order.
miss26 16/05/2016 at 3:31 pm
Hello I have a 4 year old daughter i had a not a great split with her father, i have a court order in place for him to see his daughter supervised, he has never stuck to this order. this year alone 2016 he saw our daughter boxing day and jan 5th and then again on 1st feb. Its the 16th may and he hasn't been in contact since the 15th feb where he failed to show up meeting our daughter. She carries his surname and i was wondering where i stand on having he surname changed to mine?

Currently she is known by my surname at her nursery and i have requested this swell for at school. My daughter has said that she doesn't want to see her dad as he let her down. which is heart breaking but i have always said that i will never remind him to come see her.

can i change her surname by deed poll or do i need to apply to the court? surely if he has no contact with his daughter why should his surname be used?

i look forward to hearing from you with a response.
snoza 13/05/2016 at 11:10 pm
I have a 1 year old daughter her grandma does not want to give her back becouse I broke up with his abusive son and the child has a double barrel surnames she threatened to destroy me because they are well known by police social workers and judges I won't get my kid back last she told me she went to social workers so I will go to them if i want my child please advise me they won't even let me see her next months its her 1st birthday so heartbroking
LawAndParents Editor 03/05/2016 at 10:00 am
If you can't agree on arrangements between you, you could try using a mediation service - a court will expect you to try this before proceeding a with a Child Arrangements Order via the court system. You can find a mediation service here
papakantse 29/04/2016 at 5:50 am
I need help I have a daughter she's turning 4 years this year. Me and her mom we stayed together before the child born even after birth we were together. I am not working permanent job but i take care of them since day one. Now we broke up i don't have access to spend time with my daughter again. if i want to spend time with my daughter i have to there with her mom's place. so what must i do to have that access with my daughter again.we are fighting trough phone every time. The main reason if our family didn't come and pay damages it means that i can't have access to my daughter. just help me
Celly 12/04/2016 at 2:12 pm
Hi my babies father is not on the birth certificate i wish to change her surname to my fiance when i get married i have no idea where her father is can i do this without his concent
SURNAMES 09/04/2016 at 6:22 pm
hi I'm a unmarried single parent, we never married and my son has his surname hes listed on birth certificate can I change my son surname to mine without his say
Basit 08/04/2016 at 3:39 pm
Hello,


I'm from Nigeria and my girl friend is from slovakia, she live and work in germany for 19 years.She got divorced last year with her ex husband and have all divorce document with her. Rightnow she has my 2 weeks old daugther but on to register her birth certificate at the rathause here in germany, they told her my child can't have my surname that she have to wait for 300 days before she can have my name by the slovakish policy.

They want to register her to the ex husband surname .How can i appell against this decision?
i really need your help.

Thanks

Basit
cassey 04/04/2016 at 8:56 pm
Hi there
What can I do I want 2 change my kids surname I hve been devorced from my kids father bt now that they on his surname he thinks he can do what he wants coz they have his surname he even had my daughter of 3yrs old baptised without my permission what can I do
ali 23/03/2016 at 6:08 pm
Hi I separated from my children's farther 3 years and I've got full custody of my children he plays no part in their life at all. Would I be able to change their surname to my surname
LawAndParents Editor 22/03/2016 at 11:46 am
We don't know if there are any delays at present but the process usually takes between 3 and 6 weeks.
Lucy123 19/03/2016 at 10:17 pm
I have my dads surname, I found out that when I was 2 my mum changed my name to her surname, I found a letter from a solicitor as evidence that I should be in her surname , I am now 23. but passport, driving licence etc. Are in my dads surname? What does this mean?
machu 19/03/2016 at 8:49 am
Hi there after I got married I applied for my kids s surname changed to their father's ,it been almost a year ,how long does it take for the kids surname to be changed
Dw 17/03/2016 at 4:24 pm
The father of my child wants to go on the birth certificate and also to have his last name. If this happens has he got all rights to take my child away as he has his last name?
Kymm29 12/03/2016 at 4:47 pm
My son is 9 years old and has no contact with his father through his own choice, he wants to have my surname and not his fathers he has asked for his permission but this has been denied, what is the legal age that he can get it changed?
LawAndParents Editor 07/03/2016 at 11:18 am
If yuo can prove he is not the biological father, removing your ex partner's surname will be straightforward. If not, then his consent will be needed before you can go ahead with this.
Daisels 04/03/2016 at 6:55 am
How can i make my baby was born and it was not my boyfriends child but whe did put baby on his surname now we broke up and i wane change his surname and my ex is living very far from us we dont have contact
LawAndParents Editor 02/03/2016 at 10:55 am
Ask the registry office for advice...it may be that you will have to use the name on your birth certificate and include a "known as" name as well.
Jess 28/02/2016 at 1:20 pm
My mother changed my name when I was 7 to her newly married name she always said my dad signed his rights away and had to sign a form to say I could have a passport in my new name. It was never done by deed poll. I'm looking into getting married myself now and am looking for advice on getting married with my surname when my birth certificate is different and no certificate to say it was changed. Either uk or abroad thanks
buttafly2186 24/02/2016 at 12:45 am
When my son was born, me and hus biological father decided to give him his last name. My son is now 7 years old and his father has not seen him since he was 6 months old. I do not know where he is. I want to change my son's last name to mine, and he also wants to have my last name. What can I do? Do I need to file a petition for change of name related to the family division jurisdiction or to the judicial jurisdiction?
LawAndParents Editor 23/02/2016 at 2:43 pm
If the father will not consent to this, you will have to apply to the courts for a decision.
tazleigh 23/02/2016 at 4:31 am
my son was registered with his fathers surname at birth (we were not married) we seperated when he was a year old(2013) He did not pay maintainance and was irregular with his visitation. The last contact I had with the father was 8 months ago. He has made no attempt to contact his son (now 4years old) or help with payment towards him. I now want his surname changed to my now married name, so my son and his sister can share the same surname.

what are my options?
Jocko 20/02/2016 at 4:02 am
I am the father of a now 17 year old daughter whom I haven't seen since she is three years old, I have my name on birth certificate and was married to mother for a year and half..I had visitation for two years and she took me to court for me to have supervised visitation . My ex wife wanted to be the supervising adult after taking out restraining orders on me and my family .I refused the one hour visitations into Freehold N.J. from Brooklyn every two weeks I have been supporting from the beginning of little girls life. I found out when I started receiving SS that she changed my daughters name to her maiden name without my permission. What are my rights and can I sue for financial damages .I'm sure the mother thinks it no big deal ..That child is half my blood. What am I, just a bank ?
monica 17/02/2016 at 3:18 pm
my mom got married aftr I was born...n she change my surname n use surname whr she got married I thot tht father is my dad until he passed on aftr my mother...I got grand of orphans nw my biological dad had made contact so wat cn I d?
webby 16/02/2016 at 7:59 pm
My ex wife has had a child with another man, she has used my surname without my consent. Is this allowed?
LawAndParents Editor 16/02/2016 at 2:12 pm
If you both consent to this, simply complete the deed poll forms which you can find here
mummy123 14/02/2016 at 2:11 pm
Me and my partner have decided not to get married we are still together. When our baby was born we registered her with my partners surname we would now like to add mine to make it double barrel? How do we do this
LawAndParents Editor 08/02/2016 at 2:16 pm
When you register the baby's birth you can choose whatever surname you like for the baby.
lelo 06/02/2016 at 5:49 am
I am married but I didn't change my surname um still using my original one so now I fall pregnant but I don't want to use my husband surname I still want my child to use my surname and the baby is not yet born what must I do for my baby to use my surname not my husband surname
LawAndParents Editor 02/02/2016 at 10:38 am
You should apply to the deed poll office giving all the information you have (they may suggest that a court order is required but if you can prove the mother is not contactable, this may not be necessary). If your name is not on your youngest's birth certificate and you are the natural father, you can also apply to have your name added retrospectively.
smiddy 31/01/2016 at 1:09 pm
I am a father who has a court order for my children they have not had any contact with their mother for over a year and I wish to change my 5yr old daughter's surname to mine.My other 2children have my surname but I'm not on my 5yr olds birth certificate I know mother's address but my 15yr old daughter is allowed to see her and never gets a reply when trying to contact her mum doesn't seem to bother,can I change my 5yr olds surname?
LawAndParents Editor 27/01/2016 at 11:45 am
We can't tell you what the courts are likely to decide, but do know that a double barrell option is often suggested as a compromise.
Lulu 25/01/2016 at 7:57 pm
Please could you help me? I have a four year old son be both he and I have my ex husbands surname. He has contact with his father. I am getting married and would like to double barrel the name to include his original and the new name. His father has refused consent, what chance would I have in a court order of getting it double barrelled? Thanks
LawAndParents Editor 25/01/2016 at 11:44 am
If you were never married and the father's name is not on the birth certificate, there is a chance he does not have parental responsbility (unless he has applied for it via the courts). If he doesn't have parental responsbility then you should be able to go ahead and change the name.
Fi 22/01/2016 at 12:23 pm
Hello i was wonder if it was illegal to change my daughters name, without her fathers concent. Her father is not on her birth certificate and she doesnt have his surname. He has very little contact with her and doesnt pay and child support. Shes treated differently to his 2 sons he has with someone else. I have to children with my fiance. His brought her up as his own since she was 2. She calls him dad and would like to have his surname like her brother and sister. Would i be in the wrong to go ahead and change it by depol.?
LawAndParents Editor 20/01/2016 at 2:16 pm
No the change of name should not affect your rights as the father.
LawAndParents Editor 20/01/2016 at 12:23 pm
Did the father consent to the previous name change? If you want to revert to her natural father's surname in the event that you marry, you can apply as normal.
brian 19/01/2016 at 11:47 pm
If I allow my ex partner to double barrel my children's surnames with both are surnames will it affect my rights? I am the father and I have regular contact they are currently just in my surname.
thembah 19/01/2016 at 11:28 am
Hi, I have a 5year old daughter she using her father's surname and i have decided to change her surname to mine because her father and i are not married. So i want to know if it's spossible to change again to her father's surname if her father and i decide to get married at some stage.
abcde 18/01/2016 at 10:07 am
I have a 5 year old daghter and she is using her fathers surname. He was never in her life after she was born. We separated and we never stayed together. He changed his mind and told me that the child is not his and he suggested that we go for paternity test but he disappeared. Now my child is starting school and i would like to change her surname to mine. She has been using my surname even when asked for the name and surname she quotes myne and surname. What is the process of this. He was never involved in our lives and and never contributed in anything. Do i have a right to change the surname?
Dana 15/01/2016 at 2:30 am
Hi, my situation is. I have a 2 year old son, and im not married to his father, his carrying his father's last name. since his father abandoned him for over 2 yrs from now, and I didn't get any financial and moral support from him, I want to change my son's last name to mine.. do I have the rights to do this? what is the steps that I am going to do? thanks in advance for your response...
Ness 13/01/2016 at 5:38 pm
Hi I've been separated from my x boyfriend I was with him for 11 yrs and my 3 children all have the fathers last name can I change the last name to my last name with out his say so as we do not talk anymore and he hasn't seen the kids sense July 2015 they r age 12 ,7,& 6
dbajan 12/01/2016 at 9:34 pm
My ex has changed my daughters surname without my knowledge or concent. And I am paying child maintenance? Where do I stand with this?
Lee84 10/01/2016 at 8:26 pm
Hi my son is 10 years old. After seeking help from a counsellor he disclosed his father was physically hurting him. The police got involved (no charges were brought as not enough physical evidence), but social services advised and sent me a letter saying although they're taking no further action that his father is no longer allowed contact and must go to court to do so. So far he hasn't bothered. It has been 4months now and my son is adamant he wants to change his last name to mine before he starts secondary school. Do I need to get permission from his father even though he has lost his parental responsibility?
Help! 07/01/2016 at 7:09 pm
My 6yr old lbs father hasn't seen him for almost 5years , he has my last name, his father is not on the birth certificate (never shew up). I'm getting married soon and want us all (so does my lb) to have the same last name, would I need his fathers permission even though he doesn't have parental responsibilities ? Also His father has been paying maintenance for the last 2years would he then have the right to stop paying? Thanks
Caz333 06/01/2016 at 10:33 pm
My daughter is now nearly 9 years old, she hasn't had contact with her father for over 5 years and he recently stopped support payments, we were also never married. I have been in a relationship with someone else for 8 years whom I have another child with and I would like to double barrel my first daughters surname so that it is the same as her sisters. Can I do this without her biological fathers permission?
jj 06/01/2016 at 4:13 pm
HI I changed my 5yr old son name to a different name about 4yrs ago can I change it again to another name (just the surname )
LawAndParents Editor 06/01/2016 at 10:48 am
You can refuse consent, but there may be complications - did the father give his consent when you last changed their names? If you do not agree to the change and father is keen, he will have to apply for a court order to get the surnames changed - the courts will look at all the circumstances and make a decision.
Fuming 05/01/2016 at 11:16 am
I had 2 girls with my ex. His name is present in birth certificate and girls surname was his. I changed the girls surname to mine about 8 years ago via deed poll. Now as he is settled down he now wants to the girls to have his surname which I completely refuse to do. What are my rights as sole carer for the girls? Do I have the power/rights to refuse this?
LawAndParents Editor 05/01/2016 at 9:59 am
She can apply to have the surname changed but if the father does not consent she will need to be prepared to seek a court order.
LawAndParents Editor 04/01/2016 at 9:59 am
You should still be able to apply for the passport as long as you are clear aout the details.
wenna 02/01/2016 at 6:50 am
Hi x my 6 year old grandaughter has not seen her father for aboyt 3 years. He does not want to see her. My daughter is about to give birth to a 2nd daughter. My 6 year old gd is upset she will have a different surname. The father still pays maintenance. Can my gd surname be changed to that of her mums .
tips 01/01/2016 at 9:20 am
My daughter has her fathers surname but she hasn't seen him for over a year.i want to get her first passport,I don't know his details or were he is so will have to leave the part that says farthers details blank.he signed her birth certificate when she was born as I have to send that also will I still be able to get her passport.my surname is different to my daughter as wasn't married to her father
steph 30/12/2015 at 2:46 am
My husband had a son by another woman who was married. The boy has the surname of the man his mother was married to. They are no longer married and she wants to change his surname to match my husbands. Can this be changed on his birth certificate?
Emmanuel 20/12/2015 at 9:30 am
My daughter of whom I have been denied contact by the mother since the age of 6, that I brought her to the UK to see her mum from Nigeria in 2005, just tuned 16 years, on the 18th October, 2015. The mother change her surname without my consent.

The mother despite court contact order in 2010, after her 7 consecutive non appearance at court, prior that to that "order" frustrated all the moves, brainwashed and psychological manipulated the child against me on the bases of her "wishes and feeling".

Cafcass frustratingly recommend indirect contact via a Cafcass guardian to the court. In 2013, the court unfairly closed the onging case, for my non appearance, despite my several formal written complains to the court that I didn't receive any court notice for that particular hearing, of which I considered delibrate, but the court insisted I had to pay another court fee, to get the case reinstated and that totally got me frustrated. I then resorted to family mediation that didn't yield much meaning result, just to continuously, be able to support my own daughter. I was shocked to find out from her school, Cumberland sport secondary school, Newham London, that her surname has being changed without my consent, trying to delink me from my own biological daughter of whom I love dearly.

I would want to know, if there is anything I can do legally to challenge this "damaging" move, as she is about to take her final exams, especially now that she 16 year old already.
Mari 06/12/2015 at 5:05 pm
Hi I have a baby with muslim African Gambian man my babies doesn't have his Surname on her birth certificate cuz when I'm pregnant he doesn't care about me he see someone and when my babies is born he said to me back together to get married and is still with that woman I'm found though to a lady working in marriage fraud in UK she send me lots of papers about Gambian man in UK looking for visa and money, when I found all this I decided not put him on her birth certificate but now he send me a peppers from court he wan me to put him on her birth certificate I don't agree with that I put him on police social work Because is all the time following and my family and his family all the time come to me for get back with him and get married, but all I found about woman's dumped with lost of African man I make a injuction for him to stay away,I have a DNA test with him my layer and my health Visitor help me in all this and said to me doesn't have any right paternity of her. If he wan to see my daughter is on Maidiation I'm scared of him because is muslim and I don't want those things muslim doing to kids because of his religion
jessers 03/12/2015 at 9:25 pm
My children have not seen their biological father for over 3 years now, my son is 8 and does not remember anything about him, we have a 5 year restraining order against him through the criminal courts, a non contact order through the civil courts and no idea where he lives or how we would even go about getting hold of him because he tells the child maintenance people he doesn't live with his new partner and baby but gives no other address to them and I have no contact with him outside of police interventions. My middle daughter wants to double barrel her surname, she is 11 and my 8 year old wants to take on my new husbands surname, do I still need their Dads permission with all the legalities I have in place not to have to see or make contact with him?? I have full parental responsibility through the courts and the restraining order also covers him not making contact in any way with the children. I believe it is detrimental to my sons well being that he does not have my surname and he thinks of my husband as his Dad because he has been in his life since he was 3.
nathz 03/12/2015 at 8:27 am
I have 2 daughter's but their father are addicted in drugs that's y I separated with him. He never support our childs..We're not married but my children's used his surname.. Honestly speaking I have fiancee right now and he is willing to adopt my daughter's after we get married.. do I have the rights to change my children's surname without any consents for their father? Thanks. I'm waiting for your response. GODBLESS..
LawAndParents Editor 27/11/2015 at 10:33 am
Not if you ex and a court order did not consent to it.
sue 25/11/2015 at 3:15 am
hi, I took my ex to court to try and add my surname to my child's name and so to double barrel it, but it was refused. I would never change my child's name officially without consent of the father but can I use the double barrelled name for school? Would this be acceptable? All legal documents would remain in her birth name! Thank you
Mummabear15 17/11/2015 at 4:30 pm
Hi my son is 3 now me and his dad split up as he turned one his dad was violent and a drug addict and mentally unstable and also an alcoholic I stopped contact a year and a bit due to him being drunk at contact and telling my son he was going to commit suicide he is in the birth certificate if I marry my oh can I change my sons name under special circumstances me and my ex have both never married but my son has his dad's last name and I want him to share the same last name as his step a little brother and myself
LawAndParents Editor 16/11/2015 at 11:43 am
If you are over 18 you can change your name by deed poll. There's more information here.
preco 13/11/2015 at 8:13 pm
Im using my mothers ex boyfriend surname and and i want to change to my biological fathers surname how do I start what are prosidurs to follow
Vicky 10/11/2015 at 11:12 pm
My daughters father and I never married and she has always had my surname. He is not on her birth certificate & has no parental responsibility, so will I still need to have his permission to have her surname changed to my married name when I get married next year?
cath 28/10/2015 at 10:12 am
I have a 3 years old son who is bearing my ex fiancé's surname and he is not the biological father but he sign the Birth certificate of my son as a father with all his knowledge . Since our wedding was cancelled that leads us into separation just this month, Can he force me to change the surname of my son into my surname?
LawAndParents Editor 27/10/2015 at 12:09 pm
No, surnames should not be changed without the consent of the father. Asking the mother would be the best way to find out whether it has been done officially. If it has, then your son will need to file a court order to try and get it reverted.
gem 24/10/2015 at 7:06 am
my children have there fathers last name how ever they should technically be the fathers dads last name so there grandads last name...so my partner had his mothers last name instead of his dad's as we are so close to the grandad I want my children to have his last name can this be done
Deb 23/10/2015 at 11:51 am
We went to pick up my grandson from school yesterday and found out that his surname has changed to his mothers now married name from her maiden name without my sons consent (they are not together) how can I find out if she has changed it in the courts somehow without his father knowing ? Is thus legal ?
pthomas 18/10/2015 at 9:20 pm
I have a 9 year old son who has his mothers surname she has recently advised me that she is getting married next year and wants to change my sons surname to her husbands name?? Is this possible please help me i am at my wits end... just to point out i was in a very brief fling 3 weeks with her and do have parental responsibility.... please help me.
blackwidow 16/10/2015 at 11:05 am
Hi, me and my ex partner have a 5 year old son together, we have never been married and he is on the birth certificate,my son also has his surname. We have been split since our son was 3 months old. I got married 2 years ago and me and my husband have two childten together.we already asked permission from my son's father to have his name changed to my marital name so that he isn't the odd one out, but obviously his father refused,then we were told that we could have his name barrelled but we are not sure if we still have to ask his father for permission for this.it is having an effect on me too, for example when i go to the office at my son's school they call me by my son's surname, i have to correct them everytime.likewise with other people too. I do hope there is something that can be done as i want us all to be associated the same, thanks.
LawAndParents Editor 14/10/2015 at 12:09 pm
No you are not breaking any rules. When you apply for a passport you may have to explain but it should not be an issue.
sabs 13/10/2015 at 1:28 pm
I have been brought up with my mothers surname all my life and my surname is different on my birth certificate. All through school and since I left school I have used my mums surname because it says my mums surname on my ni card so am I braking any laws because my surname is not the same on my birth certificate?? I'm really worried what do I do now?? Im losing sleep over this I don't want to be braking any rules !
LawAndParents Editor 13/10/2015 at 12:45 pm
We really don't know whether this would be granted or not as it's entirely up to the courts to adjudicate on this kind of thing.
Colin 12/10/2015 at 10:06 pm
My ex wife wants to change my children's surname to her maiden name and I do not agree to this but she has said she will take it to court even though I have not agreed to this. Now I don't know what to do as it feels like she has won
LawAndParents Editor 12/10/2015 at 2:48 pm
You may not be able to insist on the baby having your surname but you can ensure that you are included on the birth certificate and therefore acquire parental responsibility. If you ex does not agree to take you along or add your name, then you can apply for a court order as the biological father.
Fayce 12/10/2015 at 2:25 pm
Hi all,

I am a separated dad.

My 4 years old son has his mother's surname but not mine.
I have been thinking of adding mine (to combine her surname and mine to our son's surname) for a while but she has never accepted my request so my question is, if i go through the court process would my request be granted?

PS: I am the biological father and I am on the birth certificate which means that I have the Parental Responsibility. I have a regular access to my son which has been set up by a court order.

Thanks
Dan 11/10/2015 at 8:51 pm
Hello, my wife has just walked out on me a month ago and now is telling me she's pregnant with my child. It is likely that we will be divorced before the baby is born. She has already reverted to her maiden name (I guess not legally yet). I would assume that she would be looking to give the child her (maiden) surname, but is she legally allowed to do this? I'm not sure if she would let me know when she is likely to register the birth, so would be unsure if I would be named on the birth certificate. I would want to be named on the birth certificate and for the child to have my surname. Would that be possible? Many thanks.
LawAndParents Editor 09/10/2015 at 11:31 am
If you are the natural father this would not be a problem. Simply change the name by deedpoll if you want to do it officially, or if not, simply start using the new surname.
jsmith 08/10/2015 at 4:29 pm
Me and my partner are getting marred and want to double barrel her 6 year old daughter name so will have her dads name and mums name all together. What do we have to do?
LawAndParents Editor 07/10/2015 at 12:30 pm
If you cannot get consent from the father, a court order may be necessary...court form C100 is the relevant one to complete.
LawAndParents Editor 07/10/2015 at 12:20 pm
The child's father would need to apply for mediation then a court order for both of these things if you do not agree. The courts will make a decision based on the best interests of your son.
von 07/10/2015 at 10:25 am
Hi I have an 18mth old daughter .i was with her father at birth so gave her his surname.at 4mths he cheated .we split .he is pschophrenic .bipolar and got other issue's .hes never provided for her in any way.he took an overdose just after Xmas and done other awful stuff.hes not good for her as cant bring nothing good to her.she's got everything she needs here so nit missing out on anything.I want to change her name to mine and wonder if this is possible as i no he won't ever give me permission to do so.thanx.
none 07/10/2015 at 1:20 am
I have a 2.5 year son and his father and i have not ever been married. I raised him fro birth to 1 year of age . He has my last name not his fathers but after i kicked him out for being abusive verbally to me and physically to my son. Now his fathers is asking for 50/50 custody and name change to reflect his which is dumb since the child lives with me and my family all with our last name. But his father has many criminal activeties and drinks and drives and doesn't have a license or vehicle insurance and is bye pollar. Please tell me what you think.
Jody 01/10/2015 at 10:58 am
Hi me and my partner have 2 children they are currently both in his last name.. unfortunately we have recently found out that his last name does not come from his biological farther it actually comes from a man who his mother once dated before my partner was born!
We are due to get married next year my partner wants to take my last name when we get married how can we change the children into my name as well so we all have the same name ??
Nicky 30/09/2015 at 8:40 pm
Hi i have to boys wit my soon to b ex husband we wosnt married when we had them but i have a long history of dv wit my ex and we have had to move areas completely so he cant find us. And am wondering if i can legally change my kids lst names to a family name wit out his consent an hiss on their birth certificate
Lwinters20 25/09/2015 at 11:41 pm
I have a 10 year old son who has my (the mother ) last name....and now after 10 years his father wants to change his last name to his....i have given him many opportunities to get on the birth certificate which the father is still not on, and many opportunities before our son started school to chane his last name....now my son is already in the 5th grade with an established last name...just got served papers today for a petition of name change...would the judge favor in the father?
LawAndParents Editor 23/09/2015 at 10:52 am
You cannot add the name of a person who is not the biological father to a birth certificate. Not sure what you mean in your second question though...was this the name of the child? Or your own details?
Daniel 23/09/2015 at 6:53 am
My girlfriend just had my baby 2 weeks ago and we going to register the baby today , but she is refusing to put my surname on my own child , what can I do for my daugther to have my surname too?
Thanks
Nellyboo 21/09/2015 at 9:18 am
Hello I have a 6 year old son!! Who has my surname... Because his sperm doner... Has never been in the picture... I would like to add my now soon to b husband last name... As he has been a real Dad to him.... Can I do that? In his birth certificate I'm a single parent...

Another thing I have a 3 month old baby , with my soon to b husband... With a complicated delivery ... Bring exausthed when the social worker came in for registration I signed the paper w his dad but after realized I didn't put my maiden name.. Can I add it now?? I want both of my kids with the same last name...
Eva193 18/09/2015 at 1:44 pm
Hi, i do have 9 years old son, he does have his father surname on his birth certificate. He lost his father right 3 years ago in court. I'm married and my son would like to have my and my husband surname.
Can we change it, what should we do?

Many thanks
Eva
Winn 16/09/2015 at 3:19 pm
My children have my surname and I would like to change it so they have their fathers surname. Their father is on the birth certificates, we were not together when we had our first that is why I gave our first born my surname and the other children I wanted them all to have the same Surname so done the same with them. I am with their father but we are not married. Do not want to go through deed poll.Appreciate your help.
LawAndParents Editor 16/09/2015 at 12:49 pm
Yes as you will see from the comments below, you can apply via the courts if the father will not consent.
LawAndParents Editor 16/09/2015 at 10:15 am
You will need the father's consent and then you download and complete this form. If you cannot get consent from the father, a court order may be necessary...court form C100 is the relevant one to complete.
vixxy 16/09/2015 at 9:55 am
Hi. I have a 5y son. I was never married to his father.
My son was born with my last name.
His father insisted that we change my sons last name to match his.
I did agree to this (BIG MISTAKE).
My son's father left when my son was 9m old.
His father has never been a good payer of maintenance, and as of March 2015
he has stopped paying completely.
I would like to change my son's last name back to mine.
How would I go about doing this?
Rmj 15/09/2015 at 3:30 pm
My 7month daughter has her farthers last name and his on the birth cerficated but is now saying he wants nothing to do with her but refusing to sign anything as he wants nothing to to do with either of us any contact etc. is there anyway I can change her name without him ???
LawAndParents Editor 15/09/2015 at 2:18 pm
Any correction involving paternity must be authorised by the General Register Office (GRO). You will need to send in a DNA test record from an approved tester that shows that the man named on the certificate isn't the father or who the true biological father is. Here is a link to the form
adelle 15/09/2015 at 6:39 am
My baby is 2y and has he fathers surname but i was not married and he is not paing child suport but i want to change his surname
Amandaaaa 14/09/2015 at 8:09 pm
Hi I have a 2month old baby I want to change her last name to mine and have her birth certificate changed and add her biological father I made a big mistake on adding my bf last name and adding him as the father. Is it possible to change that and make it right ? Need help pls I been stressed over this I know I should of added her biological father but I have my reasons on why I did it but now I just wanna do things right
LawAndParents Editor 10/09/2015 at 2:45 pm
You would need the consent of the natural father in order to change your step son's name. If this is unlikely to be achieved you can apply to the courts for a Specific Issue Order using this form
LawAndParents Editor 10/09/2015 at 11:40 am
Sorry it's not clear what you are asking. Have you had a baby with your new boyfriend? If so yes, you can reigster your baby with any surname you like, but if you want to put your boyfriend down as the father, he will need to go with you to register the birth.
Tom 09/09/2015 at 7:06 pm
Hi, I have a 7 year old step son and have been with my wife since he was born - his biological father is not on the birth certificate but has parental responsibility through the courts, he has not seen him for around a year now. How easy would it be for us to change his surname to match that of myself and my wife? We have been married for 3 years
cassie 09/09/2015 at 1:14 pm
hi I'm still married and I'm getting divorced but me and my new boyfriend his a baby no I want to pot her on my boyfriend surname because I'm still on my husband surname so do I have to bring my boyfriend with to sign or can I do it alone
LawAndParents Editor 07/09/2015 at 10:59 am
It seems a strange thing to do if she is not naming the father or he might not be the father but in theory you can give your child whatever name you like.
Lara87 06/09/2015 at 11:08 am
My partners ex is having his child. Allegedly a dna test will be done at a later date but she is wanting to put his surname on the birth certificate even though he won't be on the certificate as the father and doesn't agree to it. Can she still put his surname as the last name?
LawAndParents Editor 03/09/2015 at 2:16 pm
Here's the government advice on this.
JayJay 03/09/2015 at 1:03 pm
Hi I have 4 children my 2 oldest are by 1 dad which he is on the birth certificate (but in my last name) & my 2 other children are from someone ele he isn't on either of there birth certificates they are all in my last name I'm with someone & we want to get married but I will only do this if all of us are in his name my children don't have contact with either of the dad's neither have they since day dot how do I go about this PLEASE HELP!!!!
LawAndParents Editor 03/09/2015 at 11:17 am
You can call yourself by any name you like but if you want to make it official you can do so by enrolling it at the Royal Courts of Justice. You can download the relevant forms from this government web page.. The fee is currently £36.
papzeroo 02/09/2015 at 4:01 pm
I'm 30yrs old now so I want to use my father surname because he was married to my mother,how to go about changing my last name please advise.
LawAndParents Editor 01/09/2015 at 9:57 am
Complete the relevant forms you can find these here, and attach a copy of the court order.
Gem 31/08/2015 at 9:36 am
I am in possession of a court order giving me permission to change my sons name how do I go about this. Thanks
LawAndParents Editor 28/08/2015 at 10:34 am
You can apply to re-register her birth if you (the natural parents) are now married. Apply to the General Register Office:
GRO
corrections.re-reg@gro.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 123 1837
LawAndParents Editor 27/08/2015 at 12:32 pm
No, you will still have to follow the usual procedures. If the biological father will consent, then it's just a case of completing the deedpoll forms. If not, then you should apply for a court order
saz 27/08/2015 at 10:32 am
How do I go about changing my daughters last name to match ours her dad is on birth certificate but we had rocky start so she kept my maiden but now were all happy and sorted even married I want our daughter to now have same last name what do I do
LawAndParents Editor 26/08/2015 at 2:07 pm
You will need to get the father's consent and apply using the form that can be downloaded here. If the father does not consent you will have to apply to the courts.
Huneybee 24/08/2015 at 2:43 pm
I have a 5yr old son who has his fathers surname n is on his birth certifcate but we were never married,he left us 18 mths ago n has been sleeping and living with a family memeber,can I changed my sons name to my surname
Thegen 14/08/2015 at 6:03 pm
I want to change from my mother surname to myfather surname which's de lange.so home affairs need affidavit from de lange who is missing.
jacks 11/08/2015 at 12:26 pm
I changed my kids names back to mine over 7yrs ago although the tax credits still use their old name.will this be a problem getting passports
ivie 29/07/2015 at 6:35 pm
I'm married but separate for 9 years.. Now I have small girl problem I want to use my single name to my daughter unpportunetly the father of my daughter they sign in paternity do I have a chance to reflect my single on the birth certificate of my girl??? Please advice me?
ivie 29/07/2015 at 6:27 pm
I been 9 years separate but married he his have their own family my son not yet support and they don't like to cooperation to file a annulment.. I'm in the abroad working please give me advice what to do for my father of my son. I want to go back my single name and plan to buy land..thank you
syran 20/07/2015 at 11:37 am
Hi. My son's surname was next to her mother due to my absence during birth and were not yet married. I just want to ask if aside marriage what is/are the other ways to make my son's surname next to mine.

Thanks
rizatime 16/07/2015 at 4:36 pm
Hi... My name is Rizaline Palivino Balmes. i have a daugther Rayne Crizelle Balmes, The prob. is my daugthemuchr is a late register because her father is in abroad.. so her surname is next to mine.. but her father is going home on december or january and he wants to change the surname of child. but the another prob. is i am not in home that time because i am going abroad on 27 of july. pls tell me what to do. and may i ask if how much it cost..?
LawAndParents Editor 17/07/2015 at 2:00 pm
@tracy1975. Here's a link to the government page telling you all you need to know
tracy1975 14/07/2015 at 2:02 pm
HI
I married last year and Husband, me and most importantly my 8 Year old daughter really want my husband to adopt her, she has an younger sister by me and my husband. The biological father has passed and his family have no contact with my daughter. what do we need to do and what issues
LawAndParents Editor 15/07/2015 at 10:16 am
@SG. You will need to apply for a court order to have anything done about this. Seek advice from a solicitor as it's an unusual case.
SG 10/07/2015 at 2:01 pm
i conceived a child through sperm donor (born July 2009) no father is listed on the certificate. I was living with female partner who was not to be a parent as we were splitting up. She bullied me and as I was scared of her she forced me to put her surname as well as mine on the birth certificate. I did this under duress and want my child's surname to just be mine. I know I can do this through deed poll but understandably do not want the original birth certificate to reflect the other persons name. She is not part of my child's life and she never will be and I don't want my daughter asking questions when older
LawAndParents Editor 06/07/2015 at 2:35 pm
@Anj..Yes you will need the consent of the father to do this. If not consent is given, you will need to apply via the courts. See the reponses below for more information.
anj 02/07/2015 at 3:21 pm
Hi. I am a single parent. I have a son and he is 5 years old now. He is using his biological father's surname. When I gave birth to him, his father is still there we are ok that time. He even signed the birth certificate of our child. But a couple of months later even before our son turned 1, we separated because he had a new woman and he abandoned us. He never gave any support to our son. He even told me and his family that it's ok to them if I decided not to use their surname anymore. I asked them financial support but they refused to give. and after that we don't have any contact with him even now we don't know where he is. My son is already 5 years old. He is asking me why his surname is different from mine, he also told me that he doesn't have a father why does he need to use his father's surname he is also being asked by his classmates why his surname is different from mine and it bothers and worried him so much. I want to change his surname so that he could not be asked that way. And I really want to change it so that my son will not be bother anymore. Can you please help me what to do? does it need to be arranged legally?Thank you. Hoping for you reply.
Aika 25/06/2015 at 12:57 pm
Pls help me. My son is using his dads surname. I really wanted to use my surname because his dad is not supporting my son. Whenever I asked for financial assistance he always says he dont have money but I can see that he spends money through material things. And he was able to loan money for his gadgets and clothes but when I demanded for his support he refuses coz he saod he cant afford to pay if he will loan money for his sons need. He often go to fancy resto or coffee shops or tea shop with his social friends and spend money there while his son needs help from him. Is this enough reason to remove his name from my sons name? Coz im the one whos keep on supporting my son. And me and my son is having a hard time to have his time with us he always put us last on his list to be prioritized. Can i also use this on my affidavit? Pls hope i can hear from you asap.
LawAndParents 19/06/2015 at 12:52 pm
You can change the children's name if their father agrees. Such agreements do not need to be in writing although you may find it useful to have this confirmed in writing in the presence of (and signed by) witnesses. You do not need to go through a legal process to change the name.
Vickster 15/06/2015 at 7:07 pm
Hi.
I divorced with two children with my ex husbands name. I am with a new partner and we wish to have a child. I hate the idea of having two children with one surname and another with a different name. My ex husband has agreed to a name change so I was wondering how I would go about it. Do I have to go through a deed pole or can I just chamge it like I did for my own maiden name??

Thanks. V x
nat 14/06/2015 at 5:06 pm
i want to change my sons name to my husbands surname. my son doesn't have his father in his birth certificate. how do i go about doing this?
LawAndParents Editor 17/06/2015 at 12:46 pm
@traceyann1980. No he doesn't have any right to change your son's name. Even the parent-with-residence has to get the consent of the other party before being able to do that.
traceyann1980 12/06/2015 at 8:42 pm
My son is 10 years old, never seen his father till September last year as he wasn't interested. When I registered my sons birth I had given him my married name (not his biological father name). I have just gone through CSA and his payments start next month. He says he has a right to change my sons name as he is paying for him. I just wanted to know if he does have a right at all? I spike to my son about it and he gets quite upset about it, he doesn't want to change it.
Lindie 06/06/2015 at 8:29 pm
I live in South Africa but I know South African law is in line with British law.

Was married in South Africa to a Turkish man. Had a Child and we divorced when the child was three. i kept my married name to have the same name as my son. I subsequently had another son , father not on the birth certificate, and chosen for him to have the same surname as his brother and myself, which of course is my married surname. Now 8 Years later I am being threatened by my ex with legal action as I have had no permission to do this . I am the only parent on my second son's birth certificate and it was logical and the right decision for me that myself and my two sons have the same family name. Please advise if his claims are valid? Im my eyes i gave my son my name, not my ex husband's
LawAndParents Editor 10/06/2015 at 9:46 am
@Em. No, he's the father and if he is on the birth certificate he has parental responsibility. He can only 'lose' those rights through a court order.
em 05/06/2015 at 11:16 pm
Hi my sons father is on my child's birth certificate, he has not paid for him since February last year and has not seen or tried to make contact for over 12 months now.... Does he loose his PR due to this?
LawAndParents Editor 09/06/2015 at 12:56 pm
@Soph. You would need to double check this with a legal professional but the name change legislation/parental responsibility related legislation that we discuss here relates to UK law only.
soph 05/06/2015 at 7:59 pm
Hi, I have got two children with my ex. We never married. He is Spanish and I am British. I had my children in Spain and there they use both mother and fathers surname. We have now split and he has got nothing to do with the children. I am have got a new partner and we are having a baby and getting married. I want my first 2 children to have same name as their new sibling and myself and partner. Is this possible? Their father lives in Spain and is never in contact. Thanks in advance.
LawAndParents Editor 02/06/2015 at 9:33 am
@Sue Fry. Yes you can give a child whatever name you like when you register the birth.
Sue Fry 29/05/2015 at 8:50 pm
My daughter is expecting a baby and she and the father would like the baby to have one half of his double barrelled surname. Is this possible?
pasty 28/05/2015 at 9:40 pm
Can I use known as other names for my toddler? Or do it have to use her registered surname
Abosco 27/05/2015 at 11:43 am
Hello,
I have two sons but different father. The first son father details is on the birth certificate while my second father details is not on birth certificate. But my sons are bearing their father surname.
Am in another good relationship and getting married soon, but I want to know if is possible to :
- Change my kids surname to their steps father surname.
- Do I need my son father consent before changing name? I don't even know where he is and am the one caring for the kids. But my new partner does help out with the kids and my first is happy to change his surname.
- must I be legally married or not before changing names.
Thank you
Sara 26/05/2015 at 11:52 pm
If I was registered by my mother on the 17th June can my father chance my surname 27th sept without my mothers concent after he married her also on the 1st birth certificate father unknown
LawAndParents Editor 22/05/2015 at 10:48 am
@bill. You can give your new baby whatever name you choose. As for your existing daughter, you will need the consent of her father before you can change her surname.
LawAndParents Editor 20/05/2015 at 12:55 pm
@Stantheman. As the father your have parental responsibility which means your consent should be obtained before a name can be changed. Yes you will still be required to pay any maintenance and your have a right to all information on the children's schooling, health and any important events etc.
bill 19/05/2015 at 7:15 pm
Hello I need some help I am still married but we have been separated for 4 Years I am now in a new relationship expecting a baby in October my husband has finally agreed to go ahead with the divorce! My sirname would not have gone back to my maiden name by then but can my new baby have my maiden name without mine being changed? And also how would I go about changing my daughters name by deed pole can I do this through the divorce procedure? All help would be great thanks
Stan the man 17/05/2015 at 12:08 am
If my ex wife changes my children's names,what rights do I still have as their father ? Am I still expected to pay maintenance ? Can I still obtain school reports etc
LawAndParents Editor 18/05/2015 at 10:15 am
@lisajane. How old are you? If you're older than 16 you can change your name yourself. Was your name changed officially by deedpoll? If not, you can simply start using the name on your birth certificate again. If it was you will need to apply to the deedpoll office to get it changed officially.
lisajane 12/05/2015 at 3:59 pm
When i was a kid my mum remarried and gave us are step dad's name and now i want to start using my birth name what do i do
LawAndParents Editor 07/05/2015 at 10:10 am
@Kel1980. You will have to apply for a court order to change the name without the consent of the absent father. The courts will look at all the circumstances and the wishes of your child. Use court form C100
kel1980 30/04/2015 at 1:28 pm
Im trying to look in to changing g my childs name from his biological fathers name as he has no contact with him since he was 6 months old and he is now 6 and a half yrs old I don't know were he is or have any idea on how to contact him is there away around this
LawAndParents Editor 01/05/2015 at 11:16 am
@Sweety. You will still need the consent of the girls' father to change their surname. The fact that the girls do not currently have the father's surname should help your case. The court form you need is a C100 specific issue order form.
Sweety 26/04/2015 at 5:20 pm
Hi I have 3 girls with my ex and I'm getting married next year and I'm going to be changing my last name, my kids have my last name, so can I change there name without there dads permission?? He said if I change it he will get me done. But can I change there name by deed pole?? As I want them to have same name as me, and not keep myolf name. Any help would be great as
LawAndParents Editor 30/04/2015 at 12:12 pm
@teffy. If this was done by a licensed clinic, the non birth mother can have her name on the birth certificate with other partner's consent. "If the couple are not civil partners, the non-birth mother must be present at the birth registration together with the birth mother to be named on the birth certificate. The birth certificate will record the birth mother as the ‘mother’ and her partner as a ‘parent’. No father’s details will (or can) be recorded if two women are named on the birth certificate."
teffy 25/04/2015 at 10:55 am
Me and my partner had a sperm donor at home and we agreed that he would have no financial responsibility or parental rights over our baby. He does not want his name on birth certificate and I would like to know how me and my partner would go about having both our names on? We haven't got married or been in a civil partnership by law as we want our child to be a part of the celebration. We are a lesbian couple. Many thanks.
LawAndParents Editor 23/04/2015 at 10:41 am
@mamof4. You'd need the father's consent to do this easily. If you do not know where he is or are fearful of contacting him, the deedpoll organisation will sometimes accept your application. The deedpoll website is www.deedpoll.org.uk but seems to be out of action at the time of writing this today.
LawAndParents Editor 22/04/2015 at 10:10 am
@mammia. You can re-register the birth to include the natural father if you have got married. You may be able to change the name this way. If not you will need to do it by deedpoll. Here's the Information on re-registering the birth and here's a link to the deedpoll website.
LawAndParents Editor 21/04/2015 at 12:35 pm
@misstep The Deedpoll organisation will sometimes accept applications where the mother is fearful of contacting the father because of past abuse (physical or mental) towards her or her children.
Mamof4 20/04/2015 at 5:34 pm
Hi, I want to change my two eldest children's names to my partners surname so we all have the same family name. My eldest child has my surname & my 2nd eldest has their biological fathers surname. He has had no contact for 9years. How do I go about changing them?
mama mia 19/04/2015 at 1:10 pm
Hi. I got married last year November and now I want to change my children's surname from mine to their father's and he is always at work I can't go with him what am I to do?
missstep 18/04/2015 at 2:14 pm
Hi need some advice. I left my little boys father while I was still pregnant. Although he is on the birth certificate my son has MY last name. He did have regular contact with his father untill about two years as he was in trouble with the police and I was told by child service not to allow contact or I would have my son taken away from me. His father still pays maintenance every month but does not contact us in any other way. I am due to marry soon and wanting to change my son's name is there any way I can do this with out having to get permission from his father? Any advice would be a great help. Many thanks
LawAndParents Editor 21/04/2015 at 12:21 pm
@Tezza. We don't have the details of the court order, you may have a full residency of your son, but it's rare that all PR is taken away from the mother. You can try to change your son's name via deed poll, you will have to supply them with details of the court order and may be asked to go to court again to get the name changed. Here's the information.
tezza 18/04/2015 at 11:43 am
Hi all, I recently got a court order give me sole parental responsibility and my son's mother is never allowed any contact, my son has both mine and her surename double barreled "buckley-clegg" how or what do I need to do to change it to just mine "clegg" thanks in advance Terry
LawAndParents Editor 15/04/2015 at 10:59 am
@missy. No you cannot be forced into anything. It's a decision for both of you to make between you unfortunately, there are no legalities to help you decided what to do in this instance.
Missy 13/04/2015 at 6:04 pm
Hi, I am divorced from my ex husband but still have his surname as do my three children, I am now pregnant with my new partners baby and want it to have the same surname as me and my other children. My partner is against this as it is my ex's name. Can he force me to just use his surname for our child?
LawAndParents Editor 13/04/2015 at 2:25 pm
@carrieg. The father can get a court order to have his name added to the birth certificate, but he cannot get her surname changed without your consent.
Carrie g 10/04/2015 at 8:49 pm
Hi I'm looking for advice my daughter is 2 she is the result of a silly one night is alcohol was involved lol silly I know should no better as I'm 40 anyway. I had no contact with him all threw my pregnancy my friend who new him also tried to contact him also nothing he didn't reply to any txts had my daughter and wasn't planninh on trying to contact him again untily brother was diagnosed with cancer and sadly wee lost him 5 weeks after I had her and he haf said to me she really needs to now who her dad is so I tried to contact him again. My friend managed to get in touch with his elderly mother and she passed the message on to him I didn't hear nothing for 7 months later I spoke to him told him to get a DNA test not a legal one just a cheap one of the internet she is his has had contact since very rarely at first as he lived in Spain has moved back here sees her on a Sunday pays maintance money when he can he no is demanding her name be changed and his name on her birth certificate which at this moment I am not prepared to do as he isn't reliable
LawAndParents Editor 01/04/2015 at 2:32 pm
@SAl. This is not usually a problem.
Sal 30/03/2015 at 12:57 am
My 19 mth old has his dads surname we are best friends me and his dad but are not going to marry. Which I thought we would Heber giving him dads name. Can I add my surname to my baby's so it's double barrelled? His dads and mine?
LawAndParents Editor 01/04/2015 at 11:10 am
@Fal. If you've reported the violence in the past, you can arrange to get the names changed without the consent. More more information is here.
fal 29/03/2015 at 11:09 am
Hi..i separated from my ex 3 years ago, wee have two children, they have his surname and he is listed on the birth certificate. They both want their surnames changed. He was violent and abusive to the children and myself, he has nothing to do with the children and doesn't support them in any way, he doesn't see them either. They are both petrified of him and his family and to be honest so am I. Is there any way I can change their names without his permission as I know he will refuse just to be nasty. Thank you.
LawAndParents Editor 31/03/2015 at 2:16 pm
@chloeaj. The information is on the deedpoll website here. Note that the children's real dad can apply for parental responsibility if he is their natural father.
Chloeaj 27/03/2015 at 9:45 pm
I was a single mum now in new relationship and my little boys real dad isn't on the certificate. I was wondering when I marry my new partner his step dad how do I go about changing his last name to his step dads
LawAndParents Editor 23/03/2015 at 11:17 am
@Sasha. No, you will need the father's consent to change a name. If the father is absent or you do not want to contact him (for DV reasons etc) then you should contact the deedpoll office. Here's a link to the information you need.
Sasha 19/03/2015 at 3:18 pm
Hi, Im a single mum. Just want to know, my daughter carried the surname of my ex boyfriend and we are not married. Is it possible that I could change her surname to mine? Without the father consent I wanted to change it eagerly. Pls help! Thanks.
LawAndParents Editor 09/03/2015 at 11:38 am
@lilu. You will need the consent of the natural father in order to change your child's surname. The Deedpoll.org.uk website has more information.
lily 05/03/2015 at 6:13 am
I am a single mom who have a daughter which is 20months old, I would like to change her surname to be mine as she have used her dad 's surname, what should I do
LawAndParents Editor 09/03/2015 at 11:11 am
@kizzy. yes the father's consent is needed. There is a procedure that can be followed if you cannot trace the whereabouts of the father etc. See this page on the deedpoll website for more information.
Kizzy 04/03/2015 at 6:59 pm
I have a granddaughter who is 11yrs old, she has her fathers surname and he is also named on birth certificate, her mun and new dad are getting married and they wish her to have the new dad's surname as he has brought him up as the real dad has had nothing to do with her or contributed towards her up brining, do we need the fathers permission to change her surname ?
LawAndParents Editor 04/03/2015 at 2:21 pm
@Sallyanne. The various options for changing a child's name with and without consent are described well on this page of the deedpoll website.
Sallyanne 01/03/2015 at 4:58 pm
My ex partner has not seen our daughter for over 5 years and has moved on with a new family and our daughter does not wish to see him. I have met and married a new man who my daughter loves dearly and refers to him as dad and even goes as far as introducing herself by his surname. But my ex is a very difficult man and will not willingly let the name change take place. What are our options.
LawAndParents Editor 03/03/2015 at 12:53 pm
@Jhdm. You may have to seek court action to enforce a name change in this instance.
jhdm 27/02/2015 at 12:47 pm
Hello, I would like to know if a mother can use the surname of a man for her child, after the man has been proven (with a legal DNA test) not to be the biological father, & the error has been amended on the child's birth certificate? It has been over a year since the DNA test was completed & the birth certificate was amended & the man has nothing to do with the child or mother & has certainly not given consent for his surname to be used. However, it has come to light that the mother may still be using the man's surname for the child.
Advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.
LawAndParents Editor 27/02/2015 at 1:55 pm
@Donna. You will need the consent of your son's father in order to change his name by deedpoll . You cannot change a name on a birth certificate.
LawAndParents Editor 26/02/2015 at 11:36 am
@May Anne. You will need the consent of your son's father and then get the name changed by deed poll. If the father will not give his consent this process will be more complex. See the information on changing a child's name on the deedpoll website.
Donna 25/02/2015 at 9:59 am
Hi I have a 5 year old son to my ex partner. I would like to change my sons surname to mine but his father's name is on the birth certificate. My son hasn't seen or heard from his father in over 2 years now (his choice) is there anyway I could change my son's surname?
LawAndParents Editor 27/02/2015 at 11:44 am
@Soulreaver87. Try talking to a solicitor. There's a possibility that you could include a clause in your Will (though that it would have to be deemed a 'reasonable' request). Alternatively a court order (Prohibited Steps or Specific Issue) may suffice but we're not sure whether these go on past death so you'd have to check.
Soulreaver87 24/02/2015 at 8:42 pm
Hi there. I have 2 boys with my ex girlfriend both have my surname. Is there a way I can stop her from changing the surnames even if I die? I have HD (Huntingdon Disease) so my life will be over soon.
May-anne 24/02/2015 at 5:23 am
I am a single parent with 1 son, When I registered my son I put his Father's Surname as my son's surname, But now, since we're still not married and we break up now, I want to change my son's surname to my surname, how can I do it and what are the legal actions to do it? Please I want to know.
LawAndParents Editor 25/02/2015 at 11:22 am
@bexiboo. Try talking about it with your ex - you may be pleasantly surprised at the reaction. Assure him that his own surname will not be 'accidentally lost' over time either which is what many mums do. If he is unwilling you could try a specific issue order...the courts will normally choose what's best for the children. Let us know how you get on.
Bexiboo 23/02/2015 at 11:10 am
Hello,
I have two boys from a previous marriage. Myself and my husband divorced four years ago. I am now in a happy relationship and we are thinking of getting married although I have put this off as I do not want to be disassociated from my children by name. I would like to double barrel the boys names with their dads and hopefully my new married name. But their dad is a very awkward man and will do anything to make things complicated. If I take this to court am I likey to be granted the double barrel name for my boys? It just seems very unfair that I did not choose to be divorced and yet I may not be able to move forward because I will not be disassociated by name for my little boys. Any help would really be appreciated. Many thanks
LawAndParents Editor 30/01/2015 at 10:53 am
@LisaLisa. It may be that the name is shown as Nelson Jones on all official documentation in school and health records etc, but she has requested that Jones is the 'known as' name. If your son really objects to this, he should go back to the courts.
Lisalisa 28/01/2015 at 1:52 pm
Son has daughter birth certificate has Nelson. Court order to have ex's surname added Jones-NelsonEx hasn't changed thisInsists at school her name is Jones Can she do this
louis2804 25/01/2015 at 3:53 pm
I last seen my son when he was 3 and a half his mum and nan mad it almost impossible for me to see him then out of the blue they all dissappear my son is now 14 years old and out of the blue last week I find him on Facebook he told me he has been looking for me for years but his mum or nan would never tell him my name as they had kindly changed his last name he says he wants to come live with me but his nan and mum moved him 560 miles away to Scotland I would travel the distance to see him or even pick him up to bring him back
What I'm looking for info for is what is my rights and what is my son's rights please any help I would really appreciate
kittykat34 22/01/2015 at 8:52 pm
Hi There, when my daughter was born we gave her my last name (mother) now her father and I would like to get married, how to we go about changing her surname to her dad's so we all have the same last name
donzi 22/01/2015 at 7:45 am
Hi I have remarried and my daughter has not seen my ex in over 5 years. He refuses to see her saying I will look you up when your older and he has remarried and has another child. My husband has taken her on and she has 2 other sisters with the marital surname. This is causing her distress and affecting her school work and home life. She has asked him to do this for her but all he could talk about to her is his new son. She is not eating properly and is waking up in the night upset. We have tried to reassure her that she is part of tour family and she calls my husband dad but she says it still upsets her please help I am worried about my daughter who will be 9 this year!
LawAndParents Editor 23/01/2015 at 10:52 am
@Louby. You can have her a double barrelled name and 'known as' to keep the father's surname in there. But to change it by deed poll you'd need his consent.
LawAndParents Editor 21/01/2015 at 11:32 am
@dazney. As your son is nearly 18 he can change his name by deed poll then. There's nothing you can do to force a name change on someone else though.
Louby 20/01/2015 at 8:25 pm
Hi there. I have a 6 year old daughter from a previous relationship where her dad and I were never married. She has his surname. He hasn't had consistent contact with her for over a year and hasn't actually seen her for 5 months.
I am getting married in a few months and my fiancé has known and loved my daughter for three years.
At the moment it's not an issue but when my fiancé and I have a baby, that baby will have our married surname and my daughter will have a different one.
My question is, can I double barrel her name so she has both her father's and my married name? Is this a good idea? Or shall I just leave her name as it is and think about it only if she mentions something? I just hate the idea of us all having one name and she has the name of someone she has no relationship with.
Louby
dazney100 18/01/2015 at 5:24 pm
hi I had a dna test done and it turns out that my son is not mine. He wants nothing to do with me. He will be 18 in February, I don't want him to keep my surname but I don't know how to change it. I no longer have contact with the mother and if I asked her to sort it out it just simply wouldn't get done. I have legally binding proof that he is not mine and it needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Can I do it myself if so, how?
Asif 12/01/2015 at 6:10 pm
Hi need some advice pls. My daughter is two yrs old. I wish to change her surname. How do i do this? Is there any fees involved? The surname is family name. I want to change it to my name
LawAndParents Editor 14/01/2015 at 11:58 am
@Fletch. There's no reason why you would lose this if she were to take it to court. You have spent lots of time and effort in his upbringing and have parental responsibility, so it's not likely that it would even get through on the basis of an absent father etc. Good luck!
Fletch 12/01/2015 at 1:07 pm
I have a son who will be 7 in May, his mum split up with me after his 2nd birthday, about two after this she ended up with the next door neighbours son, but life goes on, I have kept it civil despite friends offering to 'give him a pasting etc'. Too say I have been tolerant is an understatement, I have helped them with lifts, moving house, lending cash and even a late night chemist run for their new son, my sons little half brother. Basically it has been amicable due to me at times being a doormat.
They plan to marry in august, now she has not suggested a change of surname yet for our son, but she is unpredictable and often cannot understand why the world does not march to her beat (im expecting a call after my son leaves education 'why has the CSA not gone in??'). Now if she wants a name change I will point blank refuse, afterall he has gone through primary school with my name already, I have regular contact with him, pay my child maintenance, work fulltime (never claimed dole) and have no criminal record to speak of. The only factor is that he would be the odd one out in a family of four, though that should be minimal, I only live two miles up the road.
Basically I would not be willing to let my son give up his surname, least not to someone my ex cheated on me with, has a criminal record and a family name that is made up of benefit cheats. What would be the likelihood of me coming out of this case the victor should it ever present itself (I don't think it would as she has fell behind in paying water rates and council tax so court fees would be a probable no-go)? If I did lose this I would lose all faith in the British justice system. Any comments would be appreciated.
Smurf 12/01/2015 at 12:55 pm
Also my son has been known by my surname for the last 9yrs.
Smurf 12/01/2015 at 7:31 am
Hi my son's father was a violent man & forced me to give my son his surname when we registered the birth,even attending with me to make sure I did so. I managed to escape this relationship (there were other issues& he was charged). I wanted to know if I could re register my sons birth due to this (my son is now 11) or do I still need consent which even if a solicitor could trace him to ask for, he wouldn't give.
LawAndParents Editor 15/12/2014 at 11:25 am
@brady29. You still need your ex's consent to change your daughter's surname, even though he is not living with you.
brady29 14/12/2014 at 4:58 am
If my daughters father hasn't seen her in over a year can I get him for abandonment if so can I have her last name changed to my married name?
LawAndParents Editor 10/12/2014 at 10:52 am
@Jdoha39- Once you're over the age of consent you can call yourself whatever you like, you can even change your name by deed poll. However, it's easier for administrative purposes to let people know if the name on your birth certificate is different to that by which you are known
jdoha39 09/12/2014 at 7:44 pm
My partners son recently started work. On his 5th day of employment he was approached by H.R. asking him when he changed his surname. It would appear my partner changed his name from the father's to her maden name but never sought legal advice on how to do this. This happened when he was 18 months old and he is now 20 year's old. He holds a current U.K. passport and has done so since he was 5. My question is basically what is her sons legal name and can he continue to use his mother's maden name or until legal advice is sought does he have to use his father's which is on the birth certificate. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Tamanna 08/12/2014 at 1:05 pm
Hi! My first husband in Bangladesh was very violence person so when my child was 2 months old we got seperated. So my child never seen him & my child got my maiden surname. When my child was 3 I got married again & moved to England. My boy knows him as his own father. Now I got another boy from this marriage & wanted to change my first boy's surname change to this father so both the boys can have same surname. I lost all contacts with my ex for 11 years in Bangladesh. What do I need to do to change my boy's surname plz?
anne 07/12/2014 at 8:58 pm
if my ex bf was violent towards me i used to be with social servies but proven i was good mum n infact was all down to him he not aloud near my girl as when she was 6 month he had smacked her is there any chance changing her name if i had all the police dates ect n letters from social worker
LawAndParents Editor 08/12/2014 at 2:26 pm
@Wilkshire. No, as a father with parental responsibility she cannot change your daughter's surname without your consent.
wilkshire 06/12/2014 at 10:10 pm
hi im not with my daught's mum any more and we not married but my daughter is in my surname.my ex as now turned nasty and said she going to change her surname. Can she do this?
LawAndParents Editor 05/12/2014 at 2:21 pm
@lucy. No it sounds like you would still need consent to change the surname. However, check this with the police if you are changing the names because there is a history of domestic violence.
Lucy 04/12/2014 at 2:35 pm
I have a residence order for my sons and also prohibited steps order. Their
father and I are still married, but we have not lived with him since 2012 following domestic abuse. He does not financially support them or make an effort to have contact. He lives abroad (in the EU -we are all British born ). Both would like to change their surnames to my maiden
name. Can we do this without his consent with the orders we have in place
LawAndParents Editor 03/12/2014 at 11:05 am
@fflin. No you will requiew your ex's consent.
flin 29/11/2014 at 4:56 pm
My ex and I have a daughter, her surname is double barrelled on her birth certificate with both of our surnames. I am getting married, can I change my part of her surname without my ex consent
LawAndParents Editor 28/11/2014 at 11:16 am
@LisaH1985 - thanks for telling us about this Lisa
LisaH1985 27/11/2014 at 10:54 am
Hi, me and my sons father are separated and my son takes his fathers surname on the birth certificate. My son knows his surname as mine and school etc he is known as my surname. (mums) is this ok as on the school forms etc, they have surname and preferred surname.

Thanks,
skippy 20/11/2014 at 8:25 pm
Hi I am married with 3 children. I have changed my surname to the name on my birth certificate a year ago and now my wife and children would also like to change their surname to reflect this. How do we do this legally ?
Thank
Chris
LawAndParents Editor 17/11/2014 at 10:33 am
@Aeves. No this should be straight forward. Simply explain it to the registrar.
aeves 16/11/2014 at 10:31 pm
Hi my wife and I have just had a baby, and I am due to go to get her birth certificate sorted at the registry office, but the problem I have is that I have a double barrel surname and we only want our baby to carry the first part of the surname - is this possible without having to go to Deed Poll?
granny 09/11/2014 at 3:57 pm
My daughter had a son early in her relationship and put her name on his birth certificate,now 5 years later they have just got married,How do they go about changing the childs name to their married name
LawAndParents Editor 24/10/2014 at 10:38 am
@sassy. You will need to gain consent from your ex husband (the children's father). If this is granted then you can change the names simply by calling them by the new name or making it official via deedpoll registration.
Sassy 21/10/2014 at 11:47 pm
I am a mother of three was married to their father. We divorced almost 5 years ago an i went back to my maiden name. My daughter which is the youngest that is now 14 1/2years old wants to change her last name to my last name. What do I do? How do I do it?
LawAndParents Editor 20/10/2014 at 10:55 am
@dewar's flask. Sorry just spotted your follow up comment. You would have to take this one to court - to get the original order turned over.
LawAndParents Editor 20/10/2014 at 10:55 am
@dewar's flask. Consent is required to change the name by deed poll etc. How about a "known as" name that includes both your's and your ex's names (double barrelled). So when your son goes to nursery/school his name will inlcude yours.
Dewar's flask 17/10/2014 at 1:51 pm
Oh, an there is a court order in place stating he is not to be known by any other surname other than that of his mother.
Dewar's flask 17/10/2014 at 1:48 pm
My son's mother and I did not get married. Residence was transferred to me over a year ago by the court and that is unlikely to change. I have asked the court for my son to have my surname as that is what he wants (he is a bright cookie!) and I believe it is in his best interests (his mother's surname becoming a middle name). Mother will not give her consent

As it is a rare scenario, (Residence being transferred to the unmarried father) I can't imagine anyone knows the definitive answer to that one but any thoughts are gratefully received!
jadde1 08/10/2014 at 5:55 pm
My daughter is nearly 6years old, she has her biological dads surname. However, she doesnt know him. His had very little contact with her since we split, over 5years ago. Ive asked him about a name change but was just ignored. I want her to obviously have my last name. Is yhere anyway other way i can go about this?
Shojo 30/09/2014 at 10:43 am
Both my children have both mine and their fathers surname and we were never married. I know it's not possible to remove his surname from their birth certificate without his consent and I was wondering if you could tell me how I go about having them 'known as' using my surname?
bianca 29/09/2014 at 3:09 pm
I have a son and his now 4 years old i got pregnant when i was 19 but the father of my aby just run away and now im.married with a korean and iwant to bring my son here in.korea so i can take care well his now staying with my parents in philippines but the problem is when i give birth to my son i use my father lastname to my son since he dont have a father but lately i found out that my last name is not legitimate or registered my real lastname is may mothers lastname so what can i do to change or make my son legay birthcertificate since im not registered in my fathers lastname but in.my sons birthcertificate wa my fathers lastname please i really need help can.i just make new birth certificate and just latr register my son then my korean husband will just sign as a father because he really wants to .without undergoing adoption?HELP
jd 24/09/2014 at 1:18 am
I am fifteen and I have always thought my legal name contained both my father and mothers surnames.i am in thecare of my grandmother and have not seen my mother for 11 years. I have found out that my name only containes her name, I have contacted her to have my fathers name added to my birth certificate and she f
refuses.what can I do all my school records and others are inthe combined names as are my brother and sister.
Gillian 17/09/2014 at 12:58 pm
My grandson will be 16 soon and wishes to be known by both his father's and mother's surname. His parents were never married and split up 6 years ago. My daughter has parental responsibility. His father is named on the birth certificate and my grandson is named on the certificate with his father's name. Can he simply choose to call himself by both surnames and use this, for example, when applying for his National Insurance card?
LawAndParents Editor 09/09/2014 at 2:06 pm
@cath. No you will need to gain your husband's consent to change their names by deed poll. There is nothing to prevent you (as the parent with majority care) to just have a 'known as' name for the children though.
Cath 08/09/2014 at 3:49 pm
I had two children with my ex partner, when they were 18 months and 6 months he walked out and haven't bothered since. Immediately after I met my partner who took to them straight away and treated them as they were his own. We went on to have another two children and he treats them all the same. He really wants to change their surnames to be the same as his. We was going to wait til we get married next August but my eldest is 9 and half and she gets upset that she has to have a different surname and her friends ask why she hasn't got her dad's name. Is there anyway I can get them changed by deed poll without contacting my ex? The last I heard he was In jail for aed robbery so don't want to be going through the prison to speak to him.
Fati 07/09/2014 at 7:01 pm
My granddaughter who is ten wants the surname the same as her mum, she still she's her father who's name is on the birth certificate , but not very often n he would never agree to this Change. I changed both my children's surname my Let It Be known , is this still legal ? then if need she can do it by depoll when she is sixteen .
LawAndParents Editor 05/09/2014 at 12:05 pm
@known as would help. The children's father has to give his consent if the children change their name by deed poll. But generally the parent with majority residency get the say in day to day arrangements so arguably the names could be changed to a "known by" name.
known as would help 04/09/2014 at 4:00 pm
I got married three years ago to a lovely lady, she had been married before an had two children whom I have taken as my own, however their father is a bit of a tool. The kids want to use my name at there new school, so they have there real name on official documentation but are generally known by my surname. Is this legal as he is kicking up a fuss at the kids new school?
LawAndParents Editor 04/09/2014 at 11:30 am
@Jonahbaby. You need his father to give his consent before you can change his name. Can the CSA help you with finding cotnact details for him?
Jonahbaby 03/09/2014 at 2:42 pm
My son is now 14, my ex husband hasn't seen him since 19 months old. No cards, present and neither of us know where the other is living as he was abusive towards me during our marriage. My son does receive c.s.a through deduction of earnings. As I'm now remarried he wants to change his surname to match our household. What can we do?
cage 02/09/2014 at 5:46 am
My has a daughter from another guy and he not interested in her, never wanted anything to do with her . His name is not on the birth certificate. Is it possible to change her surname to mine without going to a lawyer. Can I just change the surname at the registration office.
Lily 01/09/2014 at 4:38 pm
I am married and both my sons hold their fathers surname (as is traditional) However, after I married I now regret not taking a double barrelled surname and my maiden name is now lost (there is no-one to carry this onwards in the family) My sons now are both keen to hold a double barrelled surname (my maiden name and their fathers name) and both my husband and I are happy with this. How do we get to do this?
claire 01/09/2014 at 4:12 pm
When my husband and I had our first child we wasn't married. He didn't want our son to have his surname due to something he's own father said. We then had a little girl who had my partners surname. We got married recently and now want to change our sons surname so he's the same as all of us. How do we do it so it becomes legal.
Many thanks
mummytokk 31/08/2014 at 8:07 pm
my daughter is nearly 7 and her father nhas been in and out of her life for opretty much all of it. constantly letting her down. cut a long story short i moved away and we agreed for him to see her once a month well that didnt last long. basically he has seen her twice this year and 3 times last year i have given him chance after chance and been to numerous solicitors. this january i told him this was his final chance as my daughter has been really affected by this and has had talks with a teacher at her school and also been doctors. i know i cant change her surname without his consent which i know he wont agree to. the question is can i double barrel her name with her fathers last name and then mine without his consent or if not just change is a known as at school and docs. thanx
MH 31/08/2014 at 5:19 pm
The mother of my child wishes to change my child surname to her married name. At present she will not let me have contact with her as I work, on the one day a week that my child is free. I work shifts and have tried to change my shifts (unfortunately I have to work to pay bills) She has told me that she is able to change her name because I have not had contact since January is this true?
LawAndParents Editor 29/08/2014 at 2:29 pm
@Craig. You cannot change a name on a birth certificate. If she has changed his name by deed poll, or is using another name for official purposes then she should have consulted you first for your consent.
Craig 28/08/2014 at 8:56 pm
My son is 12 I have been separated from his mum for a number of years
We were never married and I see my son every week and pay csa on time
My name is on his birth certificate and she now tells me she has changed his
Surname to hers without my knowledge or consent and is also using her surname
In school . Is this legal and what are my options
Regards Craig
sarahb21 28/08/2014 at 12:34 pm
My daughter is 7 has not seen her dad in several months he makes not attempt to see or contact her. He has serious csa arrears from 2011 to presejt despite bayliffs and court orders that he has not stuck to any payment plans. Im due to get married next week iv been with my partner 3 yrs we have a child together and we feel and so does my daughter that its in her best interests that her name be changed her father wont agree although he does not see her what can I do
kingysgirl13 22/08/2014 at 9:23 pm
my daughter is 7 now she has contact with her dad... i am married and i want my daughter to have our last name... she wants to have our last name as well.... her dad has no Parental Responsibility.... he is not on the birth certificate etc i was never married to him we split up when i was 6 months pregnant .... so how do i go about changing her last name so she has the same as me and my husband....
chezza 17/08/2014 at 4:42 pm
I was with someone when I had my child and thought he was the dad and vice versa my kid got his name but hes not had contact in six years and believe s its not his kid and I think the same. He refuses all dna tests and also refuses to pay and have contact. I want his name off the birth certificate and also my daughters name changed to my surname is there anyway of doing this thank you
Jo leavy 14/08/2014 at 4:54 pm
Hi my child has been known by a different surname to he's birth certificate for 6 years now. He has not seen he's dad for nearly 6 years . Me and he's dad were never married but he is on the birth certificate. Can I change he's name legally to the name he has been using for 6 years now. My son is age 7
sanzorry 07/08/2014 at 5:59 pm
Hello.My sister is having problems changing the surname of her daughter whose grandmom registered as hers because she had not got an ID that time and now she wants to have her child back.We do not know what to do now,please help us.
em 05/08/2014 at 5:19 pm
My partners ex wants to give her boyfriend parental responsibility of their son. What are the pro's con's to this also they are not married so is this even possible?
JessC 31/07/2014 at 10:36 am
The father of my child hasn't been interested for well over 7yrs now, the surname she has is of her Nan's marriage which broke up and he was not the biological father of my daughters dad. I don't think he goes by this surname anymore and I don't know if it is legally his surname in the first place. How do I stand on changing my child's surname?
cassieandra 26/07/2014 at 8:50 pm
if your child's surname is double-barrelled, can you drop a surname? my sons havent seen their dad for almost 2 years. They feel he doesnt care any more so are wanting to drop his part of their surname. When am I able to do without his permission (it was an abusive relationship) and without any legal repurcussions?
LawAndParents Editor 24/07/2014 at 12:30 pm
@sese. You cannot make any changes to a birth certificate.
Sese 24/07/2014 at 9:12 am
My ex husband doesnt want to change his surname on my daughter's birth certificate and the child is not even his but still he refuses to change it, what can I do?
LawAndParents Editor 22/07/2014 at 12:02 pm
@tersia. Hope the information above is enough to help you. If there's something else you'd like us to include, do let us know.
tersia 22/07/2014 at 7:26 am
Well I'm also having troue changing my sons surname ,also advise
LawAndParents Editor 16/07/2014 at 2:43 pm
@Kezza. Not you couldn't easily get it changed on the birth certificate but you could change it by deed poll if both you and the father agree to this.
Kezza x 15/07/2014 at 6:39 pm
Hi I was just wondering as my child has a double barrled name on his birth cirtificate mine and his farthers last name would I be able to get it legally changed on the actual birth cirtificate as me and his farther would just prefer one last name now many thanks for any responses really appreciate it just looking into it as want to get it sorted in the near future
LawAndParents Editor 08/07/2014 at 10:21 am
@paramedic23. As we are a UK based website, we are not familiar with the individual state laws in the US. Hope your situation improves though.
paramedic23 07/07/2014 at 11:00 pm
I'm in a legal gay marriage I live in a state where gay marriage is not recognized but they have my last name. Me and my wife are separated. I have looked it up and I believe I was suppose to be notified but I wasnt. Can she change her name to her maiden name without divorce and can she change our child's name. I have rights to my daughter but I haven't adopted her and I wasn't allowed to be on the birth certificate in alabama.
Paula 06/07/2014 at 4:29 pm
My mother remarried in 1985 but never legally changed our surnames by deed poll just changed them with school office I have grown up using my step fathers surname I am now in my 30s and have no contact what so ever with my step father and would rather not use his surname. As my name was never legally changed ccan I just simply revert to my real surname on my birth ccertificate and how do I stand changing it in relation to my bank and bills do I just have to send a copy of my birth certificate ?
Abs 01/07/2014 at 7:27 pm
I have a 2 year old with my ex, who hasn't been involved in his life since he was born, his biological father is named on the birth certificate and I'm wanting to change his surname to my current boyfriends that has been here for us both for the past year but his biological father isn't consenting to this. My ex has paid child support since the child was born and still does. Will I have to pay to take this to court and get legal aid?
VPN 20/06/2014 at 7:08 pm
I had my daughter in 2005 with my ex his been absent for 9 years since she was born unfortunatly his surname on the birth certificate yet his had no contact and has been absent since she was born he never seen her not sent any birthday cards of chritmas cards and hasnt contacted at all is there any chance I can get her name changed into mine without his consent I've recently just got married and my husband wants to adopt my daughter which has raised with me since she was a year old.
LawAndParents 19/06/2014 at 12:34 pm
Miranda. If your ex husband has parental responsibility, then yes, you will need his consent before changing your son's name.
miranda 18/06/2014 at 8:29 pm
when my son was born he took on both my surename and my EX's surename as double barrelled, I am looking to get married and would like to know IF I i can change my sons surename to the man I marry as I know you can change a childs surename to the same as yours when you marry but as its his surename 1st then mine double barrelled do BOTH surenames come off in exchange to my then husbands??? as when I queried this at giro office they denied taking his out as its double barrelled. can this be done without his consent as he don't see my son?? HELP
ashbones 17/05/2014 at 11:18 pm
Can you help. I was in a married abusive relationship for 6 years. I am no longer with him. Have met a new man whom I have been with for 7 years. It's stable and my 3 kids adore him. They have chosen to take my partners surname and have been known as Hamilton for 5 years. Can I legally change their surname without there biological fathers permission.
lel13 13/03/2014 at 6:54 pm
i have a son who has his dads surname but even though we are married i cant change his surname without fathers consent. but does that give him right to just take my son without permission from me?
Sunette 04/02/2014 at 11:25 am
I require a form to have my Son's surname changed from Simon Rust
to Simon Rust Visser - to reflect his father's surname as well.

Simon is going to high school next year and would prefer to have his dad's surname as well.

WE WERE NOT MARRIED AT THE TIME OF HIS BIRTH AND THEREFORE I LISTED ON MY SURNAME (RUST)

Please advise procedure to follow.
Thanks
Sunette Rust
UTA 23/01/2014 at 11:20 am
Hello I have got a question I need help with My partner is 5 months pregnant and we have now separated and not living together. As we are now split up she wants her surname for our child and not mine.Do I have any rights in which I can give it my surname not hers?
ynot 10/11/2013 at 11:53 pm
if my daughter was given another mans name before paternity was proved. A. is that legal? and B. can I have it changed in court?
ladie 03/09/2013 at 2:26 pm
I nid to change my son surname because his father claim dat he is nt his son
Dan 09/07/2013 at 9:43 am
Hi I have a question I need help with. My partner is 20 weeks pregnant and we have now separated and not living together. As we are now split up she wants her surname for our child and not mine. Do I have any rights in which I can give it my surname not hers? The child will also be living with her :(

Thanks
titchy 26/05/2013 at 12:18 am
If me an my babys dad aint married can i change her last name to mi n e without permision from him?because she has his last namehe thinks his got more rights then me has he got more right because my babyhas hisname ?
El 03/02/2013 at 12:06 am
My finances daughter is 8 and has until last month always had her mothers surname. We have regular (tho not as regular as we would like) contact with her and have great relationships with her. Her mother decided in December to change her name to the name of her new boyfriend who she has been with for around 2 years as a Christmas present to him. They have a child together who was born in August. My parter is understandably distressed by this, he would be more than happy if they were married for his child to take a family name or could even have understood if it had coincided with the birth of the other child but now his daughter does not share her name with either of her parents and today said that as she shares his name her mothers boyfriend has more 'control' of her than anyone else which greatly worries us both. She is confused as they are asking her to call him dad and she is frequently weepy and upset can you advise of my fiances rights in this situation or a course of action. We live in Scotland and the child was born in 2004 meaning the mother has full parental right depite her father being named on the birth certificate.
Don 17/10/2012 at 9:29 am
Hi - my daughter is 7 next month and hasnt seen the man named on her birth certificate for 6 years. she has my surname but I have got marrieD last week to my partner of over 5 years and would like us all to have the same name. Do I need permission to change her name? How would I do it? Any information is appreciated, thank you!
Dan 25/09/2012 at 1:58 pm
i have just married my partner and she has a 6 yr old son, i have been with them since he was 2 and the biological farther named on the birth certificate (so has PR) has had no contact since then as he is currently serving a 7 yr prison sentance for arson with intent. our issue is that we want to change her sons last name from her maiden name (on birth certificate) to her now married name but we dont have contact with the farther he has never paid maintance etc and we dont know where we stand legaly no case studies have this listed. our issues are he has PR so we need his permision, we cant find him, her son never had the bioloigcal farthers name anyway. HELP?
titch 22/09/2012 at 7:40 pm
my stepdaughter had her name changed back to her mums maiden name when her mum and dad split up . i married and her mum and we have had two other children and she has been known by my name since she was 4 the question is she wants to be legally known with my name can she change it herself now as she is 16
h.a 06/09/2012 at 9:58 pm
hey. my daughters has my surname on her birth certificate. i want to change her surname to something different from her dads and my surname because of religion purpose. can i have it changed? i also want this to been shown her birth certficate? my daughter is a year old. i have had her first name changed when she was 6 months old . thanks
cassie 05/08/2012 at 1:41 am
my 17 year old son's girl fried has just had his baby, and is having his name on the birth certificate but the baby is not taking his surname, will my son still have legal rights over the baby if this is not done, and what are the implications this may cause in the future.
kind regards
Vince 02/08/2012 at 10:59 am
hi can you please help me get the certificate for my child , since applied for the change of surname in 2010 arround December even know i am still phoning & goinng to home affairs and i filled all the relavant document but there is avail
I was given the case no each time i phone the call center , the case no is : 1206028486
please help me on this matter , my phone no is 0716219639 .
marydawl 17/07/2012 at 4:54 pm
my son has his fathers surname,i would like to know if my surname can be added as we are not married and when or if going on holiday i need his permission and he makes it very difficult and goes out his way to make life as akward as he possibly can . thank you ,,,,mary lee .my sons name is John Conor Sykes and was born on 9/5/1998
Ali 16/07/2012 at 3:23 pm
My son who is 10 has expressed a desire to have the same surname as myself. His dad and I split when he was only 4 weeks old (we were not married) and he took me to court for PR and to have his name changed back after I change it by Deed Poll when he was young, he had originally verbally agreed but then changed his mind some months down the line when a new woman came on the scene!

He saw our son until the age of 3 then stopped seeing him and I initiated contact again when he was 8 1/2 at my son's request. This contact has been sporadic for the last 18 months and has caused our son some issues both at home and school and our son has now said that he no longer wishes to see his dad again so contact stopped 3 months ago. Since writing to his dad 3 months ago to notify him of this decision he has not acknowledged my letter nor tried to contact our son or myself.

There is an Order which states that our son's surname is that of his father's but he wants to change it to that of mine and I want to know that given he is allowed to have an opinion about seeing his father can he also have one about his name?
jaz 16/07/2012 at 10:10 am
i recently split from my sons dad 2months ago after discovering he was cheating on me during our 2year relationship. when registering our sons birth , i felt i had no choice but to put my sons dads surname as his dad is a very intimidating person. hes seen his son about 5 times. and when we make arrangementd for him to see his son hes always a couple of hourablatq or sometimes doesnt even show up!and thats because hes always with his new gf. i desperately want to change his surname or at least have my surname included. please could i get some advice!
Ness 03/06/2012 at 8:59 am
I'm 6 months pregnant been married for almost a year I was mentally abused for the last 5 months so I left my husband. We haven't filed for divorce yet but eventually we will. I want to give the baby my last name since I'm still married and have my husbands last name I want to give the baby my maiden last name. He can still be listed in birth certificate as the father but can the baby's name appear legally with my maiden name? Plz help
rob 29/05/2012 at 7:02 pm
Just wondering if you can help me my daughter lives with her mum and new partner she is 3 1/2 her mum is getting married in augest and has told me she is changing my daughter name which i am not happy about i am aware she can not take my surname away from my daughter, but she has told me she is allowed to add her new married new on to my daughters name as long as my name is the last. is this true or will she still require my authorisation

and am i able to advise schools that i do not want the change to take place on a day to day basis

rob
Eb 25/05/2012 at 12:56 am
My daughters father has been in prison since I got pregnant he never signed her birth certificate but I gave her his lastname , my daughter is now 3years old & I want her to have my lastname. How can I go about changing her lastname to mine?
Andrea 22/05/2012 at 7:48 pm
Hi.. I have 2 children from a previous marriage age 8 and 10. I would like to revert back to my maiden name and my children have also stated they would like to changer their name too.. My ex has had no contact with the children for more than 5 years maybe 6 and I have no idea where he is so I can not get his permission.. Please help as I have heard that my eldest child can change her name at age 11 without his permission.
Flutterbaby123 18/05/2012 at 1:18 pm
I have 3 children with my ex he does see them every two weeks but I all do have twins with my new partner would I be able to add my partner sir name to my children's sir name making it a double barrel name so all my kids are the same or do I need permission to do so
Ian 11/05/2012 at 6:56 pm
Hi, My ex-partner and me lived to gether for a one year and, as soon as started our relation ship she was pregnent. So after we has cute little girl and we register baby under our names. So I given my surname to baby. Later my partner and me desided to seperate. But unfortunatly now I aware through DNA test, that baby was't my own baby. She has already pregnent when she starting affare with me. So, now I need to remove Surnamy from the birth certificate of her.
xero 02/04/2012 at 10:45 pm
Hi my soon to be ex wife is pregnant with my daughter she has basically tried to run me out of the life. I want to know if its possible we get a divorce if she can up and name or daughter without discussing it with me and I'm talking about both first and last name
amb 05/03/2012 at 2:31 am
Hello I would like to change my 4 year old daughters last name. To my current partner I have another child with him and the same as his as my daughters is double barreled with my ex and my last name my ex hasn't seen his daughter for two years now he doesn't pay he doesn't send cards presents I don't even know where he lives my current partner has been her father since 1 and ahalf whwhen I 1st got with my current partner her bio father visited twice in 6 months then didn't ever bother I would like her surname to go in my current partners surname as he stepped up and is her father he helped me bring her up and make her the lovely little girl she is today can my ex do anything to stop me doing this we are looking in to adoption so she can legally be his she calls himm daddy and he has never treated diffrent because 1 is blood and the other isn't if anyone has any advice I'd be so greatful mE and my partner aren't married I don't share his last name but I'd like both of his children to as he deserves it :)
Lyraa 29/02/2012 at 10:40 pm
I was with my child's father for a short time , my child's surname is double barrelled with his fathers surname and my ex married surname (refecting a link to my other children) .
I am soon to remarry and have come to realise that my sons surname is a bit of a mess, so I would like him to change this to simplify things .My sons fathers does not see him since fleeing to a refuge when he was 8 months ( he' now 3) . I am unable to approach the father asking for a name change and know it would be pointless . I know my ex personality and know he would get great satisfaction of saying no and being in controll. Any advise would be appreciated ,
Shell 22/02/2012 at 1:37 am
My son has his bio fathers name, we r not together. I am with someone else and have since had a daughter with my partner. We r very happy and plan to marry in the future. My surname is Reynolds my sons is something different and my partner and daughter have another surname. Wen I fill out forms that ask for my full name and my children's full names I hate having to write 3 diff surnames. It's horrible. Soon me and my daughter will hav the same last name but my son still won't as his bio father will not agree to me changing his name. He does see him regularly now but is quite unreliable wen it comes to providing for him and letting him down. Wen i registered my sons birth i had no choice but to giv him his fathers name as i didnt want him to hav my last name because it is my fathers and he is absent in my life. I didnt want my son to continue the name as my father wasnt worthy of that. The bio father is on my sons birth certificate so how wud I change that if he won't agree? It is in my sons best interest as his sister step father nd myself, his mother, will soon all b the same nd he will b the only one wiv a different 1?
lally 29/01/2012 at 4:28 pm
ive been seperated from my ex partner for three years,it was a volitile relationship ship,,he was taking drugs and mentally abusing myself and our daughter,,we never married but his name is on the birth certificate,he hasnt seen his daughter for 3 years , i want to change her name to mine is there anything he can do to stop this happening
Gaz 15/12/2011 at 5:26 pm
My daughter is 3 years old, she has her mother's surname because she refused to give her my surname (my name is on my daughter's birth certificate), but next year, her mother is getting married and wants to change my daughter's surname to her married surname. As I'm the bio father, I think it's wrong. On top of that, I was recently told by her mother that I'm not my daughter's father anymore, that I'm to be called by my first name and not as her dad. What people have to realise is that, the bio father has a right to be acknoledged, not to be brushed to one side, so having my surname acknoledges me, plus some women get married a number of times, so children end up with different surnames. It makes me laugh that some women just want the surname changing just because it looks and sounds better as a family. A bio father is the father for ever, I don't agree with step father either, they should just be known as a guardian wether they married the mother or not. Having a father doesn't mean much in law, it's virtually equal with Father Christmas.
Ali 17/11/2011 at 12:17 pm
Hi, my son is 8 years old and has my maiden name, his natural father was not present at birth regestration so is not on the birth certificate and has had no contact from 12 months old.
I have since been married and my son now calls himself by my married name, can i change his name legally to the same surname as myself and my husband? if so how do i do this? Thanks.
Johnny888 09/11/2011 at 9:45 am
Hi me & my partner have been together for over 10 years, we have 2 children (7 & 4), both have my partners surname. We plan to marry in a year, what options are open to us to have the children's names changed to my surname? (married name). Both are my biological children
fairy sparkle 03/11/2011 at 3:54 pm
Hi there....my child is adopted but wants to change his surname to mine (I have reverted to my maiden name) as his adopted father and I are now divorced and he is currently in prison. Where do we stand ?
bm 15/10/2011 at 5:59 pm
Hi, my 17yr old daughter had my name until recently when she changed her name to her step father's surname. She has by her own consent for the last 4 years had no contact with me, but i do see my youngest daughter often. Do i have any rights, and do i still have to pay maintenence for my eldest daugher many thanks
Rick 13/10/2011 at 8:28 pm
Hello my daughter is 9, On her birth certificate it as my name and mothers name using doublebarral. We where never married, I see my daughter regerly ,my ex keeps on rubbing out and crossing out my name and keeping hers, I do have parental responsabitery my daughters happy with her hole name, but her moms not ,and she as remarried with a different surname Is there anything I can do as her father ,the school use her proper name but I dont know about doctors and other things I got the school name put right,
Titchrules Editor 13/09/2011 at 12:58 pm
@ Wendy

You can lawfully change your name to a known as name without permission.
It just means that legal documents remain in the birth certificate name.
This was something we thought about doing too once we were married.
Titchrules 13/09/2011 at 12:56 pm
Hi all. My daughter is 3. She took my surname at birth NOT her fathers. He walked out when she was tiny. I have been with my partner for just under 3 years. were getting married next year. I want my daughters name to-change too. I don't agree with having separate surnames. We intend to extend our little family next year too. Father is on birth certificate also. Still has regular contact. But no naming ties to my daughter. The father won't give consent to change her surname.
sarah 26/07/2011 at 9:24 am
im due to give birth in 2 months, the father wants baby to have his surname, if i do this is it possible to change it on the birth certificate before the baby is 1 year old?
LawAndParents 21/07/2011 at 10:43 am
There is no legal procedure to give your child your name in day-to-day life, but you cannot change the details on her original birth certificate. You may be able to re-register the birth certificate with the name of the biological father but, as your ex is named as the father on the certificate, he must agree to this change.
locky 20/07/2011 at 4:19 pm
I was in an abusive relationship with a partner I met at 7 weeks pregnant. He was very controlling and forced me to put his name on my daughter's birth certificate even though he is not the biological father. The biological father is not in her life either. Can I change my daughter's surname to my own and can I get my ex off her birth certificate?
wizbit 30/06/2011 at 3:54 pm
hi my son is 7 and his surname is the same as mine im pregnant and my boyfriend wants the both in his surname he is the same dad to both can this b done
b 27/06/2011 at 5:43 pm
hi there me and my partner split up 6 months ago we were never married,we have a 4year old just started school, we still get on really well my name is on the birth certificate and he has surname she wants to change his surname to hers i dont want this to happen but being the father i feel i dont have a say as father like me dont have that much right please help with advice thanks
C.M.V.W 12/06/2011 at 3:50 pm
Hi im sixteen and i was wandering if i could change my name legally without my mum being at risk of being sued by my "father" (who pretty much abandoned me when i was eight) we do not have contact and the name change is my choice not my mothers ! Please help !
ken 20/04/2011 at 3:18 pm
hi i want to change my girls surnames to mine names and the father has said yes so what do i do next?
Macky Makda 14/04/2011 at 12:54 pm
Hi, A friend of mine would like to change her daughters surname to hers, The daughter does not have any contact with her biological farther. Can this be done?
roppy 14/04/2011 at 3:50 am
i'm pregnant with my ex-boyfriend's baby, we have drifted apart as we could not agree about keeping the baby, i have decided to have my baby, i am finacially stable and feel that i am old enough to have this baby. i however would like my child to carry his name and not my surname. i think and feel that he will probably refuse. is there a way the law can force him ? does anyone knw ? plse help . thanx.
Lily 12/04/2011 at 4:05 pm
Hi, I would like to know if I can double barrel my surname and my future husband's surname for my child? He is my son and has my family surname. His father is not in his life - so I have kept my own surname for both of us - how do I go about changing his name? Do I still need to make legal contact with his biological father even though he doesn't have his surname in the first place?
em 09/04/2011 at 9:27 pm
Hi I want to change my 2 children's surnames ( aged 7 and 4 ) from their farthers surname who they have not seen or had anything to do with for the past 3 years, to my maiden name. His name is on their birth certificates and I know he would'nt agree to changing their surnames. Would it be ok to change their surnames ?
zyu 07/04/2011 at 10:01 am
Hi, I am actually married with the father of my soon to be born son, however, we were now separated. Can I not use his father's surname?
beetee 05/04/2011 at 10:25 am
My son put his name as the father on the birth certificate of the child of his ex partner, doubting he was the father but went along with it. How does he stand now as his ex wnats to change the name on the birth certificate? He wants to keep the surname on it.
B 04/04/2011 at 7:11 pm
My girlfriend and I has a 5 year old son and we are getting married soon. My son was given both of our surnames at birth. However, we are about to get married, and my partner will take on mine. How do we now change his surname to just reflect the father's? We both approve.
s 02/04/2011 at 7:09 pm
To J - I'm in same position and a few years ago I contacted a solicitor and was informed that I could legally change my daughter's surname without father's consent as we were never married. This law was however changed months after my daughter was born BUT because of her d.o.b I have full rights. Double check on a few websites and put in your daughter d.o.b. fingers crossed for you :)
jaii 01/04/2011 at 5:40 pm
My children have my maiden name and their dad does not have any contact at all with them and he is not on the birth certificate.
I am to be married this year, can i change their surnames to my new marital Name?
josh 20/03/2011 at 7:10 pm
Hi, My son is 3 years old, i no longer live with him or his mother and we split some time ago. however my name is on his birth certificate and I see him twice a week. I am in possession of his birth certificate and do not want his name changed. How could the mother go about changing his name? does she require the birth certificate? we are no longer together however she has a new partner and i am concerned she will unwillingly change his name without my permission.
I am keen to understand where i stand and what she requires in order to do this.
Thank you and i look forward to hearing from you shortly
J 19/03/2011 at 8:40 pm
My daughter is just over 7yrs old and has her Fathers surname. We were never married and splt up 4 years ago. I want to know if or how I can add my surname, therefore not taking away his surname but adding mine? She often wants to know why she doesnt have the same surname as me? She does see her dad but not very often.. I regret now putting his name on birth cert when we registered her birth. I know he would never agree for me to change her surname. But putting my surname in as double barralled would be someway to recompence..can anyone advice me please?
sue 18/03/2011 at 8:18 pm
I want to change my children's surname, they are under 16 and I alone have full parental responsibility. The Father did sign the birth cert. We were not married and my youngest was born and registered b4 Dec 03. Can I legally do this and how?
liz 18/03/2011 at 10:27 am
Hi I want to change my child's surname he is 2 yrs in may. Me and my partner split (we were not married) and my child's surname is my ex partner's surname. I want to change it to my surname. My partner is on his birth certificate. I would like to know if I can still change my childs surname if my partner doesn't consent or how do I go about it thanks.

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