Changing my sons surname

[Daisyphilly]

Hi can anyone help me please?

I am in England.
My son is 3 this year.
His father died while I was pregnant, therefore he is not on the birth certificate (he wasn’t alive to sign it, therefore couldn’t be put on it)
My sons fathers family pressured me into giving my son his last name, which I did.
Now, I want him to have my surname. (I’m not here to be judged on that decision) My daughter is 10 and she has the same name as me.
I would love it if we all had the same last name.
How easy would that be for me to do?
I have been looking online and it seems so complicated. Obviously I am the only one with Parental Responsibility - do I NEED a reason to change my own sons name?! I read on the Gov website it ‘needs to be in the child’s best interest’? I just want us all to have the same surname lol, do I really need to go to court?

any advice is appreciated, TIA

No, you don't need a reason. As you are the only person with PR you can just go ahead and do it. You would only need to go to court and have a good reason if there was someone else with PR and they didn't agree to the change.

I think it's allowed as his dad isn't on the birth certificate.

Ok great thank you. Can I do it online? Is there a recommended website? Or do I still have to do it through the gov website?

you can easily change it if not on the bc it’s only an issue if they are (and don’t agree)

You need to execute a change of name deed for your child. There are some free templates available online. You don't need to enrol it.

The gov website gives you the paperwork for an enrolled deed poll, which costs money. This is not necessary. Ignore websites that say the passport office only accept enrolled deed polls. They are wrong.

If you want something official looking, there are a number of websites that will give you an official looking change of name deed at significantly lower cost than an enrolled deed poll.

This is so helpful thank you SO much!!!! ❤️