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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have any legal concerns we suggest you consult a solicitor.

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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have any legal concerns we suggest you consult a solicitor.

Legal matters

Surname change for my 4 year old

38 replies

oopsadaisyme · 02/05/2014 22:55

This is a bit complicated, so bear with me:

My now 4 year old's birth cert is his fathers surname

His father now using his original surname, his actual fathers, as I now find out my son was registered in his step fathers name!?

Both me and my eldest have my surname, and I have requested the school use my surname as his 'known by name' - which they have done

We have no contact with 'Dad' anymore, he is not using the surname my son was registered with, so I don't see any problem with me legally changing his name to mine and his brothers?

So how can I change it officially??

OP posts:

Report

prh47bridge · 03/05/2014 01:49

Is the father named on the birth certificate? If he is you cannot change your son's name without his consent and the school was wrong to agree to your request to use your surname.

Alisvolatpropiis · 03/05/2014 02:13

If the fathers name is on the birth certificate you must have his permission to legally change it.

oopsadaisyme · 03/05/2014 02:31

Not changing 'legally' just yet, all official documents will be in his 'legal' name - I can use a 'known by' name now, which will be mine and his brothers surname

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oopsadaisyme · 03/05/2014 02:37

I need to know what forms I need to get hold of and how I get them to change legally - his father doesn't now have anything to do with him, his choice, so pretty sure can get him to sign?

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meandcoffeeequalhappy · 03/05/2014 06:51

You need the father to write a letter explicitly agreeing to the change, and it has to be very clear and signed and dated. Then you just get a deed poll, either yourself signed by witnesses/online/at a solicitor. It is not hard, but you need that letter. Personally as it is for a child I would pay for the solicitor to do it, just to make sure all i's and t's are crossed. You can't get the school to use another name, eventually the council will ask for proof of legal name change. If you can't get hold of dad, I should have thought if you went down the court route, you have a fairly compelling argument to change it, given dad doesn't use it either anymore.

prh47bridge · 03/05/2014 12:06

You should not really even be using a "known by" name without the father's consent. The school is breaking government guidelines and a court ruling by agreeing to this. If you are sure the father will consent I suggest you get a letter from him and get on with it as quickly as possible.

oopsadaisyme · 13/05/2014 14:29

I have no address or even telephone number for 'dad' anymore as he is hiding from responsibilities - new life, holidays a plenty, cash galore - he has changed his surname, and its just wrong that my beautiful son should have a name that connects him to no-one he knows -

How can I ask for consent from someone I have no contact details for?

Surely by disowning his four year old there should be some way around?

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oopsadaisyme · 13/05/2014 16:09

Have just changed via deedpoll - wasn't aware that I could but got some great info via MN - thanks to them xx

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nomoretether · 13/05/2014 16:27

You can't just do a deed poll for a child.

3xcookedchips · 13/05/2014 16:28

Yet another change of name thread where mis-information reigns.

You haven't legally changed the name.

How much you charged to what you say you've done?

lunar1 · 13/05/2014 16:32

I would leave your child's name as it is. It's his now and his to change when he is old enough if he wants. It's a pain for a child having their name changed and to have to go through life explaining it.

overthemill · 13/05/2014 17:14

Even though you have done it by deed poll as it is a child this is not a legal change. It is unlawful to change a child's surname or the name they are known by without permission from the father. So you have not a leg to stand on. I sympathise in your situation but it is the law. My DHs ex tried to do this by the back door at school and doctors etc and we got legal advice. And my DH had joint custody!!!

droitwichmummy · 13/05/2014 17:19

You have to apply to the Family Court for a Specific Issue Order to change a child's name.
If you ring your local court they will talk you through what you have to do.

prh47bridge · 13/05/2014 17:44

As others have said this is not a legal change. Like it or not you cannot change your child's name without the consent of everyone with PR. If the father will not consent you need a court order. If you have no contact with the father you can apply for a court order but you will need to show the court that you have made reasonable efforts to contact him. Simply saying you don't have any contact details is not enough. The court would expect you to have tried to trace him.

oopsadaisyme · 13/05/2014 18:41

Tbh - My Ds2 dad has disowned him - I am not talking about doing this unfairly or out of spite - my little four year old has a surname that even his father no longer uses - the father that cares nothing for him -

So at this moment - I want my son to 'belong' to a surname - whether it be by deedpoll or any means -

I do not have the money to change through solicitors at the present time, but my son deserves to belong to a family, through name, and i'm sorry, but having a name that binds us now means more than anything -

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nomoretether · 13/05/2014 20:48

And no one is saying you shouldn't but a deed poll is not legal in this situation. If you cannot get the fathers consent, legally you have no choice but to apply to the court. There is no other legal option.

oopsadaisyme · 13/05/2014 21:17

So without spending thousands on a solicitor, and considering he has made it perfectly clear he wants nothing to do with his son, can I go directly to a court? If so how do I do that??

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overthemill · 13/05/2014 22:14

You don't need a solicitor. CAN can tell you which form you need to complete.

overthemill · 13/05/2014 22:15

Sorry autocorrect on phone. CAB

oopsadaisyme · 13/05/2014 22:24

over Thanks, I just need to know what forms I can submit to courts - if CAB can offer that support great - thanks

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droitwichmummy · 13/05/2014 22:40

Yes CAB will help and the court staff will make sure you get the right form (talk to us - we are very nice!)

oopsadaisyme · 13/05/2014 22:48

droit thanks! (assuming your court staff lol!) x

I'm not doing anything that will get an argument from my Ds2 Dad, he doesn't even want contact with his son (which upsets me every day, arsehole as he is, my beautiful son is 4, and I would actually like him to see him, but apparently he's off getting married, holidays, cars, dogs (wtf?) everything)

I can't even apply for child maintenance because of his job and 'name change' -

All just been horrendous - just need my son with us now, in name and everything

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droitwichmummy · 13/05/2014 23:08

It's not difficult especially if his father will not object. You will have to do your best to let him know. He won't have to attend the court hearing if he consents - he will just have to sign to confirm. You will not have to see him unless you want to. Make sure you send the papers to him by recorded delivery so you have proof that you have informed him of the application.

oopsadaisyme · 13/05/2014 23:20

I have not contact details for him? I have a work address?? will that do??

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droitwichmummy · 14/05/2014 06:53

A work address is fine. Mark it as personal though so the work gossips don't see it.
Service of the documents is often the biggest hassle but as you have an address it should be easy for you.
Good luck!

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