Changing a surname

[sweetdreams]

Hi can somebody please tell if this is possible.... My other halfs ex wants to change the childs surname, he hasn't seen the child for about 11 months. But hasn't asked for his permission?

[Ethel]

This is an excellent link covering this situation:

http://www.terry.co.uk/change_of_surname_01.ht ml

[sweetdreams]

So he has to give his permission even though there has been no contact for 11 months?

[Ethel]

How old is the child?

It makes a big difference - the decision will always be for the best interest of the child. If the child is still very young and mother is re-marrying, then perhaps it would be in the best interest.

The father can always object. But the objection won't necessarily prevent the change.

The mother doesn't need the father's permission to change the name, but the father can ask the Court to make a decision if she goes ahead without the consent.

[sweetdreams]

Nearly two, she's not remarrying though but does have a short-term boyfriend who plays dad. He doesn't wish to object because there is alot of complication to the situation. Can she still ask for maintance though? And does it mean his parental responsabilities are affected?

[Pippa68]

Yes, she can still apply (and is entitled to) maintenance.

[cinders01]

i had my daughters name changed without his permision as we wasn't married and i have the deeds, but you cannot change the birth cert.to change it legally you do need his consent if they were married as both parents signiture are required. but if your partner objects then his ex can still change it on paper. ie schools,doctors ect but legally the child would still have his surname.i was told by my solicitor that you can call a child what you wont even if my ex tried to object.