Changing child’s surname

[Peaches9878]

Just wondering if anyone has successfully done this before. I want to change my child’s surname, it’s currently double barrelled, however I want to drop the father’s name. Long story short he was abusive and vile and a danger to our child and got found guilty of assault to me back in 2020. In 2020 in family court he also decided to walk away. My child has had no contact with him since the age of before 1 , I’ve never had financial help. He is totally out of the picture but he’s on the birth certificate. It’s nearly 4 years since he had contact, and due to him not wanting contact in family court , do I still need his permission to change surname ? I will eventually tell my child about him, but when my child is old enough to understand. FYI my child currently has a medical condition which means his surname get said ALOT but I want to explain the situation when he can understand. Many thanks

Unfortunately you do need his permission or court I have the same issue. Dd has mine and exes surname and he won’t let me remove it despite no contact, I spoke to a solicitor but they basically said no chance and not to waste my time/ money and told me no judge would agree to drop a surname completely

Not a solicitor but you would need his permission, and judges don't like to give it. They want the connection to paternal family. Could you try to have them 'known as' just your name? They'll still have it double barrel legally but would prevent it being said. Kindly, is it actually bothering your child, or is it you that it's bothering? I get it, he was your abuser. Try to look at it as your sons name not his dads.

As others have said, you need the father's consent to the name change or a court order. The courts are reluctant to allow a name change and will only do so when there is evidence that it is in the child's best interests. You need to consult a solicitor if you want to know whether you have a reasonable chance of getting a court order based on the father's behaviour towards your child.

"Known as" names are regularly suggested on similar threads. Schools, doctors, etc. should not accept "known as" names. Some do, but government guidance and the courts are clear that they should not.