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changing a childs surname

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balearic | 09:07 Tue 02nd Dec 2008 | Family & Relationships
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if a child is born to unmarried parents who live together and the fathers name is on the birth certificate and they subsequently split up and the mother marries, is she allowed by law to change the childs surname to that of her new husband. If the father has no knowledge of any name change, what name would be on the childs passport, school records, electoral role (she is now 19) etc.
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Do you mean the child is 19?

then in that case she is an adult and can call herself whatever she likes as long as the intention is not to defraud.

see a solicitor or citizens advice on matters of changing name by deed poll.
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she is 19 now but was 3 when the parents split. could the mother change the childs name without the fathers consent.I know she can call herself what she likes now, was just wondering about when she was younger
I think at 19 the "child" will now be rightfully considered an adult, and as such any name changes will have to be done by her.
The answer is yes, you can change the surname without the fathers knowledge or permission. But at the age of 19 that wouldn't be an issue anyway. As long as it is done through a solicitor and you get the relevant paperwork saying that the 'old' surname will no longer be used all of the future documents (passport, licence etc) will be in the new surname.
I changed my sons surname, many years ago now. The first time I applied for a passport for him and his driving licence (years later) you have to send the original birth certificate with the deed poll letter and the docs will come back in the new name.
It's bit of pain the first time things are applied for but much easier when they need renewing.
HTH
I presume by your question that your daughter has been known by your husband's name and you want to know if this was legal. Apparently, yes.You don't have to use the name on their birth certificate. However, her name on the electoral roll will be in her father's name as this is how she has been registered. It would also be needed on her passport.
You do not need to change a surname by Deed Pole - there are no legal steps to go through. I changed my surname some years ago, when I divorced. I got information from the Citizens Advice Bureau and it was all very simple. Have a look at this website: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/family_par ent/family/change_of_name.htm
Pollypeptide is quite correct, I just started calling myself another name some years ago.

Lucan
But pollypeptide and squad, how do you apply for passports and what about the electoral roll? Surely, someone can't just 'disappear' like that from the registers.
It wan't a problem cocinelle, I was 16 at the time and used my new name when apllying for passports, electoral role and applying for Uni.
One can call oneself whatever one likes.
Does this mean an illegal immigrant can come into the country and just apply for a passport in any name he wants?
Not quite coccinlle LOL LOL..he would have to fillin a few forms LOL
Hope it wasn't Lord as your first name Suad, you would have had a raft of forms also to fill in.LOL
i was in this position, when I tried to change my sons surname I had to have his fathers permission to do so (a written letter) so was unable to change his name,,
hello the 19 yr old would have to do it their self because of their age and you can change your name to anything you want these days

tho you can never change your original birth certificate, once your name is changed it will show on passport and any other id.
LOL LOL rosetta congratulations. I thought it was funny and original, but it seem that you were the only person that got it.

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