changing children's surnames. form c100

bobbieg

Hi, I wish to change my children's surnames. I already have a deed poll for each of them, but I plan to apply to the court for a c100 change of name before I apply for their passports. Their father hasn't been in touch for over 2 years so I do not fore see any problems with this. I was just wondering where I could get some help to complete the c100, looking through the form I can answer most of the questions, however there is a few I would like clarified before I returned the form to the court. I was trying to avoid paying a solicitor hundreds just fill a form out. I thought about citizens advice but wonder if it's a bit too specific for them.
Can anyone suggest some where I can get some help?
Thanks

Ms_Chocaholic

Does the children's father have PR for the children? If so you will need his consent to change their surnames.

Confusedandneedhelp

1: Need fathers permission if he has PR
2: Do the kids need to go through this? Have you ever been known by a previous name questions when their older, for what reason?

fivetide

What if you get married in the future and change your name? Will you make them change again?

The question to ask is if it is for you or for them? Are they old enough to make the choice?

bobbieg

Five tide there's no chance of me ever getting married again what so ever!!!
He walked out on 6 week old twins, two and a half years ago and hadn't seen them since, why should they keep his name? They don't know him. Anyway decision made my question was to people who understand the c100 process as an absent father with no contact details I can go ahead without him, but I just need some cheap or free legal advice to help me full out the firm. Thanks.

bobbieg

Confused and need help, I believe is more distressing for them to keep his name having a different name from me. By all having the same name we are all the same family, that's my decision, he hadn't been around he has no say. Please don't go down that route

Confusedandneedhelp

bobbieg wrote: »

Confused and need help, I believe is more distressing for them to keep his name having a different name from me. By all having the same name we are all the same family, that's my decision, he hadn't been around he has no say. Please don't go down that route

Legally he does have a say (or might, you havent said if he has PR)

Morally probably not, but dont shout at me, i didnt make a moral judgement on your position. (i have two informally adopted children, as well as my only biological) - so i might say the same to you, dont go there.

as for not getting married again, never say never. The day i met my (complicated situation currently) was the day she said she'd never want to meet anyone again (before meeting me i might add)

fivetide

bobbieg wrote: »

Five tide there's no chance of me ever getting married again what so ever!!!
He walked out on 6 week old twins, two and a half years ago and hadn't seen them since, why should they keep his name? They don't know him. Anyway decision made my question was to people who understand the c100 process as an absent father with no contact details I can go ahead without him, but I just need some cheap or free legal advice to help me full out the firm. Thanks.

I think you have had the questions there that need to be answered re: the form.

Appreciate your reply but as said, never say never. I get your motivation, guy sounds like a right berk and I am sure that 'all having the same name' would be good. I just wouldn't be so sure that will always be the case although I recognise your number one priority is to your kids.

Ms_Chocaholic

I presume your children's father is named on their birth certificates as you were together when they were born. In this case he has PR and you have to seek his agreement to change their name.

marisco_2

bobbieg wrote: »

He walked out on 6 week old twins, two and a half years ago and hadn't seen them since, why should they keep his name?

Clearly your ex has failed the children you share together in a massive way. That doesn't change the fact that he will always be their dad. His surname has been a major part of their identity since the day they were born. To my mind it should only be up to the children to change their names, and break that final link to their dad, when they are old enough to make such a decision.

My ex walked away from our children too but I would not dream of changing their surname.

SailorSam

My Mum was married twice so even though her name was one thing mine was another, it wasn't until i started at senior school at the age of 11 that i started calling myself by my Mums new name. As far as i know she never filled in any forms though.
And here we are 50yrs later there are still one or two people who still call me by my origional name.