Desperate to change DD's surname, please help

[Nikaleeona]

My DD has just turned a year. She has her fathers surname as we were together when she was born and were planning to get married. He is mentioned on her birth certificate so has parental responsibility. He left when she was 4 months old cos he didnt love me and couldnt stand the site of me! (This is after being together for 2 and a half years!) He now gives me very little money for her and visits her at the weekend for 2 hours in which she screams the entire time cos she doesnt like him or know who he is! I really want her to have my surname cos its silly having his and he doesnt deserve it and to be honest its a ridiculous name! Is there any way i can officially change it without his consent cos i know there is no way he will give me permission to change it? Iv already started calling her by my surname but would rather having it done properly if possible. Any ideas if i can or where i can find out about it?
TIA x

Firstly, sorry to hear that your ex treated you so badly and I don't blame you for wanting to change your daughters name. If I were you, I would phone a couple of solicitors ( that deal with family matters) and make a general enquiry. I would imagine that they may be able to give you an indication over the phone. Or you could also contact Citizens Advice, but I have found them to be a little vague on legal matters unless dealing with a legal person.

It is possible as my friend did it in a simialr situation . I htink she had to get him to sign some paperwork though. You will need to see a solicitor.

I changed my 3 kids' surname when they were very small after my divorce. Ex had to agree and submit a letter saying he was in agreement with the change. You can't do it without his consent. It was done for the three of them by deed poll. Costs are very minimal, sorry can't remember exactly how much.