Surname

[SpinningFloppa]

My daughter has two surnames but not double barrelled I know I can’t change them without her fathers permission, he hasn’t seen her in 2 years but still won’t allow me to change them. The trouble im having is everywhere will only refer to her under his name despite the fact she has mine as well, unless I correct it the default name is his, I took her to an appointment yesterday and the dr said her full name and then went so that’s “Sophie Jones” (not real name) I had to correct it but like I said it’s everywhere doing this. What is the point in having both when no one will use the other one? Is there anything I can do about this? Would a judge more likely add a hyphen so both need to be used?

Also is it true that if it’s not hyphenated then it’s a middle name? As both names are definitely in the surname box on my daughter BC in fact it was them that told me to put my name first (I asked which way round would be the main name and she said first 🤦🏻😒) she never mentioned that it would be a middle name but I’ve been told that means it is

If both names are in the surname box, then both names are the surname of the child.

You can add a hypen if you want - it's just stylistic, you don't need a court order for that, so long as both names are in fact the surname.

I’ve been told by a few people because there is no hyphen it’s considered a middle name 😣 so I can just add a hyphen? I don’t think that will stop places still assuming it’s only his name as that’s the problem I’m having people using just his name as a default unless I correct them but it means I’m correcting everyone where ever I go

Yes, you can just add a hyphen. That isn't a name change.

How would I change official paperwork to hyphen?

You don't need to. Just use a hyphen everywhere you write it.