DS1 (16) has his dad's surname. For the last 5-6 years he has wanted to change it which I thought we could do when he was 16 (his dad won't give permission)
Having looked into it, it seems he can only do it as an "unenrolled" change until he's 18.
What is the difference? I've looked on the gov website but it didn't clarify anything. If we make an unenrolled change, can he use his new name on his bank account? Can we apply for a passport in his new name? What about his school certificates? Can he have those in his new name?
If the answer to all of those is 'no' then is there even any purpose to the unenrolled change? We may as well wait until he's 18. For the record I'm also changing my surname as his chosen new name is made up (a combination of mine, his dads and my Mum's) but he doesn't want to be the only one. :)