Change back to maiden name without consent

Counter

missbiggles1 wrote: »

I can't imagine why a woman who isn't married to the father would give her children the father's name - I don't think I've come across that before.

Can you imagine a father who isn't married to the mother giving his children the mother's name?

TonyMMM

Counter wrote: »

Can you imagine a father who isn't married to the mother giving his children the mother's name?

It does happen - quite often.

First he would have to present when the birth is registered to have any choice in the matter.

The child's surname can be anything the parents want it to be - his, hers, a combination (double barrelled or not), or something completely new).

Before 1969, a birth certificate doesn't mention the child's surname at all.

Counter

TonyMMM wrote: »

It does happen - quite often.

I know. I was making the point that it is odd for the poster to find it unbelieveable that an unmarried couple would give the child the father's name but saw it as quite normal to give the mother's name.

Kim_13

Counter wrote: »

Can you imagine a father who isn't married to the mother giving his children the mother's name?

This happened with a friend. It struck me as odd when I first found out and though I didn't want to be nosy and ask about it, when I found out her father's surname, I concluded that her first name and father's surname wouldn't go very well.

That said, having the father's surname is more common, either because they envisage marriage in the future or because the mother recognises that though old fashioned, it's traditional that the child has the father's name (this happened with me.)

The majority of children (under 18) with the mother's name were probably born post-separation, meaning that the father didn't necessarily get a say in it. As far as I know, he'd have to obtain a DNA test just to be added to the birth cert if the mother was being difficult and didn't attend with him for him to be listed.

When the child is 18 they can choose whichever name they like without needing the permission of both parents, and a friend whose parents had a messy separation did this to change to mother's maiden name. If the child still has a good relationship with both parents, then they'd probably opt to stay as they are, regardless of who they live with.

pigpen

Legally I could give my child my ex-husbands surname.. he isnt the parent but I do still use my married name in some circumstances and my divorce hadnt come through by the time my 5 y/o arrived ... I could have added him on her birth certificate...

Obviousy I wouldnt as it wasnt true or probably legal.. but I could!


You can add the fathers name by declaration if you're not married too.. I did that with DS1.


I figured I didnt want my children having my dads surname.. I don't want it either.. or my ex-husbands name so the only alternative is their dads name... it rather pee's me off I won't ever have the same name as them though... I feel like I should.

My 17 y/o wants to change his name too.. the older children have all discussed whether to change to OH's surname..

maman

TonyMMM wrote: »

It does happen - quite often.

First he would have to present when the birth is registered to have any choice in the matter.

The child's surname can be anything the parents want it to be - his, hers, a combination (double barrelled or not), or something completely new).

Before 1969, a birth certificate doesn't mention the child's surname at all.

I think that's why most single women want the child to have the father's name. It proves that he was there at registration and has acknowledged his child. I know it's not true in all cases but I think many women are hoping the father will marry her eventually.

TonyMMM

pigpen wrote: »

Legally I could give my child my ex-husbands surname.. he isnt the parent but I do still use my married name in some circumstances and my divorce hadnt come through by the time my 5 y/o arrived ... I could have added him on her birth certificate...

Obviousy I wouldnt as it wasnt true or probably legal.. but I could!

You can give your child any name you want , including your ex husbands.

Even if you are still married, then putting him down as the father if you know that is incorrect is an offence under the Perjury Act.

TonyMMM

maman wrote: »

I think that's why most single women want the child to have the father's name. It proves that he was there at registration and has acknowledged his child. I know it's not true in all cases but I think many women are hoping the father will marry her eventually.

His signature on the register is what matters (and gives him joint parental responsibility), the surname that is chosen is irrelevant.

maman

TonyMMM wrote: »

His signature on the register is what matters (and gives him joint parental responsibility), the surname that is chosen is irrelevant.

That's correct but I think the outward signal means a lot to some women.

missbiggles1

Counter wrote: »

Can you imagine a father who isn't married to the mother giving his children the mother's name?

When it becomes equally normal for a man to take his wife's name when they marry, this might be a relevant question but until then.....