Surname unmarried couple

[Bella362]

My ex and I were never married and have a ds together who is one. Ds has my surname much to ex’s disgust. Is there anything he can do to change Ds’ surname to his?

Not without your agreement if in England or Wales. Not sure about Scotland or N.I

He can apply to the court to have it changed. He’s more likely to be successful with his application if he asks for it to be double barrelled.

Was he not there at the registration of his birth?

It would need your permission or he could apply to the court for them to decide. They may decide it's not in the childs best interest to change their name/identity.

Court is unlikely to sanction such a change unless it is demonstrably in the best interests of the child’s welfare. Seldom does it make any difference.

@MissMalice he was there at the register of the birth, he signed even though it was only my surname on the birth certificate

@Collaborate what is likely to be a reason to be ‘in the best interests of the child’?

He might make arguments about reflecting the childs identity, but that's more of an argument for a double barrel. Does he see DS much?

@Bella362 I’m afraid it would take an essay to respond to such an open question as that.