Surname

[SpinningFloppa]

I posted this elsewhere but this is a slightly different question so wanted some legal advice. When my daughter was born I gave her two surnames, mine and my exes, when I registered her I asked what way round to place the names so my name was the ‘main’ name. The woman told me first is usually considered the main one. Anyway obviously I’ve now realised that isn’t true as nowhere uses mine name at all and it’s basically seen as a middle name. I thought of adding a hyphen but apparently this is considered “petty” I was wondering then instead as I know court will not allow me to remove the name (father wouldn’t agree and not really involved) so instead what would my chances be with court agreeing to change the order of the names and switching them round so mine is the last one? Any advice appreciated? (Not asking for opinions on this just whether I would stand any chance)

If I were you I'd add the hyphen. I'm not even sure it would count as a name change - you're only changing the grammar.

It’s already on “the system” now as what it is so even if I started adding it it won’t change anything because it’s already down without one (if that makes sense)

It would make it clear that your surname is part of his surname and not a middle name.

Change her name to whatever you want by deed poll? It’s a simple process. Is that possible on behalf of a minor or courts? Might be worth enquiring.

I would like to remove his entirely but I heard a judge would never agree to that and he doesn’t consent so I cant change it as he is on the BC.

Add a hyphen. Our DS has a hyphenated surname and if any name gets "dropped" it's the second one...which is DP's surname. I'm always quietly chuffed when DS is referred to by just my surname

How is your surname listed on your child’s birth certificate? In the U.K. first name and middle names are generally lower case and surnames all upper case. If your surname is uppercase - it more an issue of taking the birth certificate in to places to get the correct details recorded on systems (eg GPs, schools, etc). rather than changing the name.

It’s in surname box but written down that doesn’t matter as when read it appears as a surname so no one is using it.

If the issue is that your child's birth certificate says Forename Middlename Floppa Dadsname and he's been called Forename Dadsname simply tell all agencies that your child's last name is Floppa Dadsname, and they're to record it correctly.
If you've tolerated this error until separating you may need to show the birth certificate to persuade agencies to amend the record to what it should have been from the outset.
That is not a change of name and does not require consent from other parent

My DC were First Name then ExH surname.

With his permission I changed it to Name, ExH surname then my surname.

They were always just known as my surname. School will call them whatever you ask them to call them. The legal name only matters at doctors, dentist, formal exams etc.

Mine both changed their name by deed poll when they got to 16 and didn't need ex's permission.