Passport change of children’s surname

[Sa3]

Hello,
A couple of years ago, I applied to the passport office to renew passports for my two children, both U16. Their father lives abroad and is not from the UK. The children have no contact with him. Due to his treatment of me and the fact that he was in prison for violence. Their surname was changed to mine through deed poll but the passport office will not recognise it. They said they I have to ask permission from him despite the circumstances. I have looked at a court order but this is over £200 - is that per child?! Also, when I had to apply for a prohibited steps order to prevent them being removed from the country, the court told me that I would not have to have contact with him due to his abuse but they actually put us both on the phone together - tail end of covid. I am worried sick that this will mean he will engage with me again. Advice would be welcome. Thank you.

In England, you can't change the legal name of a child without the permission of all those with parental responsibility. So the passport office are correct, they can't take your deed poll I'm afraid.

A court order would be £232 but would cover both children.

Thank you. Would it mean that my ex would have to be contacted? We have had no contact with him for at least five years.

I guess you didn't have his permission to do the deed poll? Needs those with parental responsibility to give permission or get a court order instead

I think he was in prison at the time for beating up his new partner. Unbelievable that he still has any say in my opinion.

Hi could I ask if you made any progress with this? And how did you manage the deed poll without their consent? I’m in a similar ish situation. Ex was abusive, violent criminal. Family court and social ruled against granting him contact and he never bothered to apply through court just harassed me and I’ve been given a 5 yr restraining order. No actual contact for 3+ years, my little one hasn’t even had their first passport yet so thinking name change now would be ideal, do you think I would have any issues?