My DD is almost 6. I had her as a teenager and naively agreed for her surname to be double barrelled. Her father has not had contact for 3 years (at the advice of SS) due to lots of ongoing issues (DV, addiction, emotional abuse).
I explained wanting her name changed now as she is old enough to understand but before she becomes embarrassed about it, if she ever had to explain to friends. It would also make some things simpler (school, doctors etc.) When I asked him politely, he took immediate offence and argued that it is the last thing he has ‘ownership’ over.
I would like to point out he has NEVER financially contributed, had another child and convictions for DV against her mother whilst I turned my life around and have my own home, a very stable happy life and I’m almost a qualified midwife.
Should I try and get a court order and forcibly change her name? Would I even be successful with this given there is no legal custody agreement in place? TIA