Change childs name by Court order

Mollypolly1956

I really don't think he would bother to attend court.
My question was has anyone changed a child's name by court order without using a solicitor.
We have all the forms but just wondered how difficult it would be without a solicitor.
Thanks

Mollypolly xx

Guest101

Mollypolly1956 wrote: »

I really don't think he would bother to attend court.
My question was has anyone changed a child's name by court order without using a solicitor.
We have all the forms but just wondered how difficult it would be without a solicitor.
Thanks

Mollypolly xx

It's not, in most cases ( unless its a criminal matter or a multi million pound lawsuit) - self representation is encouraged.

pollyanna24

My children have my ex's name (we were meant to get married, but he decided otherwise).

Can't say my life has been made any more difficult by this fact. Sometimes I'm called Mrs. Jones (not real name) by their teachers, but it's more often than not Joey's (not real name) Mum.

I would have kids live with me and have his surname, rather than them have my surname, but live with him. I think I get the better deal.

We are going abroad next week, but at 7 and 5, my children are old enough to confirm that I am indeed their mother, but I will bring a copy of their birth certs just in case, no biggie.

Kynthia

I thought it could cause difficulties taking your child abroad without a letter of consent from the other parent? I know someone who's divorced but keeps their passport in their married name to avoid this coming up when travelling with their child for this reason.

LilElvis

Kynthia wrote: »

I thought it could cause difficulties taking your child abroad without a letter of consent from the other parent? I know someone who's divorced but keeps their passport in their married name to avoid this coming up when travelling with their child for this reason.

The only country I can think of where this is necessary is South Africa - and that only came in last autumn.

alwaysskint96

Guest101 wrote: »

My main point was about the 'marry me or else' philosophy.


It seems in principle that alwaysskint96 didn't have an issue with child having the dads surname, and was more resentful that he didn't want to marry her.

Not at all LOL. In reality when i was pregnant with the eldest we had split up so therefore she got my surname. We got back together a few months after and when DD2 was born 3 years later she was given my surname to match her sisters- simple as

When i eventually married someone completely different years later i kept my maiden name- simply so the children has same name as one of their parents at least

BTW my DDs are now 21 and 25- their father hasnt seen them in over a decade and didnt have much to do with them before that

[Deleted User]

Mollypolly1956 wrote: »

I really don't think he would bother to attend court.
My question was has anyone changed a child's name by court order without using a solicitor.
We have all the forms but just wondered how difficult it would be without a solicitor.
Thanks

Mollypolly xx

I had to change my child's name (first name and doesn't even have father's surname). One visit from the father in 10 years but he had PR so I had to go to court . Had no idea where he was so it took 3 visits to court before they were satisfied that everything had been done to find him. Child's interests were put above his legal rights in the end .
Forms are not really difficult just long winded and repetitive and I did not use a solicitor.

Soundgirlrocks

I used my stepdads name when I was at school as my mum felt it would be easier (late 80ies /90ies still a bit of stigma about being a divorcee) plus my Dad's surname was prime for teasing so I was happy. My Dad didn't like it and as I got older I choose to change back (I wanted GCSE's to have my legal name) My national insurance card is in the wrong name as my mum applied for it and she forgot and used the wrong name but its never been an issue. I could get the card amended but it costs and the HMRC have updated their record to the correct name.

If the mother wants to use a different surname and Dad isn't involved I can't see it being an issue, how is he going to know?? The child can choose if they want to make their legal name when they are old enough.