Changing child's name by deed poll- father abroad

[BarbaraVineFan]

My mum died last year and I would like to change my daughter's name to honour my mum by adding her name in the middle. I have had a quick look and it seems that the form requires the signatures of both parents. The problem is that my ex-husband, my daughter's dad, lives abroad and I don't know when he will next be in the UK. Is there a way of getting round this? I am a bit confused about the legal position.

If you’re in touch and he’s agreeable, could you not email the form for him to sign?

Assuming she is under 16, you need his consent or a court order to alter her name. As the previous poster says, you could get him to sign the form and return it to you.

I was under the impression it needed to be a physical signature though, not digital? Or do you mean he should print and post it back? I am a bit nervous of that, as he is in China and the international postal service from there is not exactly reliable!

You don't need his signature but you do need his consent. A form signed by you both is the best evidence of consent.

'adding her name in the middle'

Are you asking about adding a middle name, or adding a surname?

Could he not print the forms, sign and then either scan and email OR fax them to you?

Adding a middle name. She already has one middle name but will now have 2.

That's a great idea! I'll ask him. Thanks

I use the scanning option frequently and it always has worked. Best of luck!

In that case, you do not need his permission, you simply start using the middle name. You don't need a deed poll either.

You only need his consent, or a court order in absence of that consent, to change the child's surname. But first names, pet names etc., can all be used at will by either parent with no consent.