Different Surnames

[Goodsoulette]

My children, legally, have different surnames. When the youngest started school I decided that he should not use his legal surname and use the same as me and my eldest son, so that they could identify as a family unit. His father who has not seen him for nearly two years, and for one year previous to that only two visits, as he has moved to America will not sign any deed poll forms. He does not pay anything towards him, and never has. He does not send birthday presents and although he says he tries to make contact with us, has only phoned twice this year. Once to tell us they were expecting and the other to tell us they had the baby.

His father has a very nasty temper and I always end up getting flustered because he just shouts me down at every turn. How much chance do I have of getting a court order to allow me to change his surnmae by deed pol? Also, if he was to come back here for a visit, I dont want him taking my son off for an extended visit as they do not know each other anymore but it appears that he seems to think he's entitled to just to take him off whenever he chooses to come back and that I should send them over there with his mum, or friend when they go to visit?? The thought horrifies me!! So can make access arrangements through a court without him present as at this present time he could technically pick him up from school and refuse to give him back as he has equal parental responsibility,

[mxyzptlk]

I would suggest you chat to a lawyer or the CAB at least.