Name change after separation?

GobbledyGook

Pricivius wrote: »

That's interesting because we certainly didn't need to do so! My father's name is on my birth certificate - he's actually confirmed as the person who registered my birth. Mum simply opened bank accounts in our new names, told our school and applied for passports in the new names. No one asked for proof that my father consented.

Edit following GobbledyGook's response - I accept that my father could have applied to change it back, but it certainly doesn't mean you can't change it. It is more straightforward to get consent, but not necessary.

It's necessary now. My name was changed after I went to live with my grandparents, but things are stricter now. Schools and things will want to see the father's permission before they'll change it.

marisco_2

When I divorced my ex husband I chose to change my surname back to my maiden name. I needed that closure on a part of my life that was over, and to get back to really feeling like me again. I have never once thought of changing my sons surnames though. I would also like to reassure you that at no time, either in or out of school has the fact that we have different surnames, ever caused any of us problems or embarrassment.

As far as I am concerned a child's surname makes up their identity. They carry it from birth, a link to their father and a major part of what makes them who they are. In my sons case it is all they have left of their dad, as he walked out of their lives with no warning when my youngest was just 3. If they choose to change their surname later on then that will be solely their decision. It is not my place to interfere with something so personal to them though.

StuC75

Parental Responsibility for one. Registrars do advise now of the complexities of changing childrens surnames later in life when different surnames have been used at birth(ive been there)..

Pricivius wrote: »

Not as far as I am aware. My name was changed from my father's surname to my step-father's surname when I was 7. My father was alive at the time and did not have to give approval at all. We didn't even have to ask him. We just started using the new surname. I appreciate this was many years ago, but I am not aware of any changes that require a parent to be consulted.

As for opening bank accounts etc, I have never had any difficulty despite my birth certificate being in a different name and having no deed poll or marriage certificate to back up the new name. I have opened 5 or 6 accounts, applied for a new passport and taken out a couple of mortgages since 9/11 without a problem.

Tommelise

I would change my name back to my maiden name.

As some pointed out you might have trouble travelling with your child if you have different surnames. you can find more information here:

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/womens-blog/2014/may/12/passport-control-border-children-parents-different-surnames

Mojisola

Tommelise wrote: »

As some pointed out you might have trouble travelling with your child if you have different surnames.

If you keep a copy of the child's birth certificate with the passport, it will be clear that you are their parent.