Court statement for child name change

[Marley040783]

Has anyone had to write a statement for court when going for a surname change. I took my ex to court last year for surname to be changed to mine, anyway he jumped on my court order for access so court was adjourned for 7 months as he was instructed by CAFFCASS to complete a Domestic abuse perp program and when we return we both need to write a statement on the name?
Any wrote one before and how in-depth do you go or is it basically what I'll cooperate with.

I don't know if this helps but I just paid to change my name online .....its all done properly and you get all the proof. So I don't know if this helps but try it that way then you haven't got to mess about with the courts.

@Piper1985 it's already at court I applied and first hearing was last July, it got adjourned due to him asking for contact and been put on a domestic abuse course so they said when we go back we both need to write a statement saying what we want surname wise, I've said I'll have his surname as childs middle name but he wouldn't cooperate so adjourned it, seems silly that he pretends to care really when he's quit his job so he doesn't have to pay CSA 😏

You need to focus on why you are saying a change of name is in the best interests of your child. It shouldn’t be a lengthy statement.

@Piper1985 - you are an adult and can change your name whenever you want. It is different when a parent wants to change a child's name. That needs either the consent of everyone with PR or an appropriate court order.

Prh47bridge......I never knew that as I've never had to go through all that stuff

I applied to get my child's surname changed and was granted it. My solicitor was honest about how difficult it is to get this done and I was bracing myself for a double-barrel at the most.
However, the judge himself suggested the change with his surname as an extra middle name as a compromise.

I was lucky (well not really, but you know what I mean!) to have a stack of evidence as to why the name change should be granted, the court had access to more information about him than I was party to, and my ex didn't even bother to turn up to court, which I suppose swung things in my favour.

@prh47bridge it’s child’s surname sorry , it’s already with court but got adjourned and said we both need to write a statement but not sure if it needs to be a formal letter statement or short and to the point of what I’ll cooperate too ?

What do you mean what you’ll co-operate with? If the court makes an order you will have to co-operate. What you need to put in your statement is why you want to change your child’s name and why you think it is in their best interests to do so.

Agree with FenellaVelour. But you need to be aware that your chances of success are slim. The courts are reluctant to grant a change of name unless keeping the current name is not in the child's interests.

Because at the first hearing I said I would agree to his surname what she has now to her middle name or double barrell and he point blank said no, he’s not agreeing to anything so the judge said it’s not for her to make the decision and to adjourn and then when we return we need to write a statement and if there is still no agreement then they will decide

I meant compromise not cooperate 🤦🏽‍♀️*@FenellaVelour*

For my daughter name change, I eventually did it via deed poll, getting my ex to agree and get his signature witnessed at a solicitors. For the statement, I asked for her name change because it allowed her to be part of my family who look after her. He sees her when he is able to (rarely!). Double barrelled nane would allow you to travel abroad safely with her and give her a sense of belonging to both families which will be important when starting schools. It will not detract from her birth surname and means you won't have to have his signature of permission to trave abroad as she will be identified as your child too.
It took me 2 yeard to convince him but luckily for me it was all amicably agreed in the end.
Good luck OP.

So confusing for these children at a stressful time. Just leave the name unless the child is older and understands the implications. Name changing always seems selfish to me. Just leave it.