How to apply to court to change DD’s name

[ElizaJones]

My ex husband has no contact with my daughter. He was extremely abusive to both of us and social services agreed with me that he should have no contact with my daughter. I also have a restraining order.

my dd is now 12 and would like to change her surname so she has the same name as me. I have been told by a social services and a solicitor that to do this without my ex’s permission I need to apply for a court order.

I cannot afford to hire a solicitor to do this for me but I believe I can do this myself. I just have no idea how it works and what I should include in my application and how to word it. I was told that if I don’t word things properly the court won’t accept my application.

I wondered if anyone could give me any advice?

Fill in form C100 and send it to court. Also fill in form C8 if you want to keep your address private.

The application must be served upon him.

Thank you, @Collaborate. I don’t even know his whereabouts as it’s been 8 years. Do you know if the court will be able to locate him?

To avoid court etc, could she not be a 'known as' on school registration and then do the change by deed poll at 18?

DD’s school have done that but the doctors and passport office have refused.

It’s up to you to find him. There are lots of enquiry agents who will trace someone for a fee lower than the court issue fee.

Ah yes, if it's for things like that then fair enough, you'll have to go down the legal route.