Surname change?

[SpinningFloppa]

Do Courts ever agree to changing a child’s surname? I heard they never do but is this true? Has anyone successfully changed their child’s surname? (Ex on bc and has pr)

How old is the child ?

11

I presume the father doesn't agree to the surname change. The courts hardly ever agree to a surname change. Why do you want to change it?

Father is absent; no he would not agree

If the child wants it when they get to 15 they might do, but it’s probably best done by the child themselves at 16 if they want.
You can use whatever name you want at school and in everyday life.

No it’s not 16 it’s 18, I want it changed before she does exams etc we use my name at school but drs and everywhere else won’t accept known as name.

Then I’d suggest you ask a solicitor at what age they think you could get the name changed if the child wanted it.

I was asking if anyone has successfully managed to change a child’s name I’m aware adults can change their name but that’s a different question. so back to my original question has anyone managed to change their child’s name through court?

No, it is 16. Bu the school shouldn't be accepting a "known as" name. Government guidance on the subject is very clear.

You won't get the courts to approve a name change just because you want it. You need to show that it is in the child's best interests. The starting position for the courts is that it is usually in the child's best interests to retain their surname as it provides a link with the father. You will almost certainly be wasting your money if you try to get the courts to allow a change of surname.

It’s 18 for enrolled I want enrolled not unenrolled, school have happily used mine no issues there but drs etc won’t, so being absent and having nothing to do with her for years wouldn’t be enough to get a name changed? It’s a link to someone that wants no contact with her...

Realistically - unlikely.

Yours is a common scenario unfortunately - a father simply not being in contact is no reason for the courts to order a name change. How long has he been absent, and does he pay any maintenance? Is she the only one in your family with that name - does she have siblings with another surname?

A court will consider the entire picture of their connection and what is best for the child when looking at a name change, but the basic assumption is that the name is an essential part of their identity, so should only be changed in exceptional circumstances. If he abandoned her before birth, has had zero contact (even via letter, email, third party) since and is now uncontactable, you may stand a chance, possibly.

And no, school shouldn't be using a "known as". Is she already at secondary?

(I think there is someone around on MN who has managed it, but I seem to remember there was significant abuse involved)

Thank you I asked on my single parents group and a few people have managed it If they can prove it’s in their child’s interest, no he pays no maintenance, zero contact, hasn’t seen her for 2 years but he has been absent for 6 (apart from on 3 occasions) so never had any type of meaningful contact or relationship with her, she’s never been to his house he has never had her overnight and yes she has 3 siblings all with my surname so she feels like the odd one out. She’s not at secondary

Enrolled doesn't really give any advantages. All UK government bodies accept unenrolled changes of name.

It is 16 and will be recognised as his legal name. I’ve asked about this with a solicitor.

I was told it cost me anything up from £3000 to £10,000 to get it through courts.

My son has been ‘known as’ since he was 6. His choice and he would get very distressed if anyone used his legal name. He didn’t feel part of this family because his name was different and no amount of chats made him see any different.

His Dad rarely saw him (years between contact), his family chose not to see my son to support their sons/brothers decision to not see his own child and now my son has no interest in any attempts of contact from his father.

As soon as he hits 16 he’s going to change his name.

I believe (I've been looking at this for my own children) it's easier to add a name rather than remove one.

Is it possible you could add your surname to your daughters name and then she could make the choice which to use and keep the full name for official documents?

She technically does have my surname hence why people are happy to use it as a known as, she has two, however mine is the first one so it is classed as a middle name Apparently which is why no one uses it 😣 I actually asked what way round to put them names when I registered her so that mine was the default they said put it first which was obviously not true! As I came to realise as no one uses mine it’s basically a middle name. I want his completely removed. I heard unenrolled is like a known as name and she still needs to declare the old name? So not an official name change

You heard wrong. An unenrolled deed poll is as effective as an enrolled one. It changes her legal name and is recognised as such by all government agencies.

what if school refuses? I wrote a letter and they said no.

What is the school refusing to accept? Do you have a change of name deed with the father's consent to the change?

No I don't have any of these. They refused to use known as even write on her notebook or shelf. I wrote a polite letter. They refused. How in court i can say that she already uses a new surname if it is impossible. 🤷‍♀️
My ex has not provided any financial support 7 years. We have not communicated since 2019. What are my chances?
Do i need miam if there was abuse? Do i still need to contact him and tell that i want to change surname? Please girls share 🙏🙏🙏

Schools are supposed to use the child's legal name, particularly their surname, unless it is clear that everyone with parental responsibility consents to the change. If you want to change your child's name you need to contact your ex and see if he will consent. If he will not, it is unlikely the courts will agree to a change of name.

Why does court protect "men" who has never done any role in child's life. I feel so broken. The other "parent" lives in Ukraine. I have already won 4 case against him. 2 about child. Court refused him, child stays with me. But it was in 2020-2021 . Do i have at least any chance here in the UK to change that bl surname and forget about the past? 😓😓😓😭🙏🙏🙏

The court isn't concerned about protecting him. It decides based on your child's best interests. A change of name will be allowed if you can convince the courts that it is in your child's best interests, but in most cases the courts think it is important for the child to retain a link with dad even if dad is absent.

Thank you very much for your time and explanation.