Christian name change of my son

[greatdad]

Hi. I have a residency order ion my son and this iwas granted in August 2001 when my son was 2 years old. Attached to the residency order was a contact order for his mother but she lost contact with us through her own choice in November 2001. We have not heard from her since this date and we do not recieve any letters or anything from either her or her family. My son has recently started asking if he can change his Christian name but still keep his 2 further names and his surname. Do I have to get permission from his mother for this? We have no idea where she is living and have no contact numbers. We do not really want to contact her, can someone answer my question. Thanks

[B00]

hiya

This might explain it for you.

http://www.ukdps.co.uk/CanIChangeMyChildrensNa mes.html

[greatdad]

Thanks but it doesnt really answer my question as it is for surname change and is a guide for a mother when I am the father!

[B00]

I don' think it's purely for surnames- as that's the very site I changed my 1st name with, and it's legal I might add....lol

Please scroll through the website, there's bound to be something that will explain it for you.

[greatdad]

Ive emailed them but if anyone else has any information that would be greatly received.

[Ethel]

Your son can call himself whatever he likes - it will become legal simply with useage, or he can formalise much later if he wants to.

I would choose that route - simply use the name he wants, and inform the necessary people of that.

This would avoid anything complicated with the absent mother until he is old enough to execute a deed poll without parental consent.

http://www.marriedornot.org.uk/ChangingYourChi ldsName.htm

[meglet]

Some info here: http://www.thompsons.law.co.uk/ltext/changing- your-childs-name.htm

I've had a trawl of the web for you and I think the same applies to a childs forename as surname so as long as you have parental responsibility and agree to the change it can be done.

[jno]

Ethel's right, you don't actually have to 'do' anything. Just tell everyone his name is now Jason or whatever. He probably hasn't got any legal documents concerning him apart from his birth certificate (no passports and such), so nothing will need changing. He can do it formally later if he likes; but basically your name is what you call yourself. Like Sting. Bet it doesn't say that on his passport.

[greatdad]

Thanks for all your answers, I've emailed the people at the deed pole office and they think it will be quite straightforward given the history.