Name Change

Can anyone please advise.

Absolute granted 4th Jan, boyfriends ex has already reverted to her maiden name and my boyfriend has real concerns that she will now try and change the childrens names as well. I have tried to reassure him that she cannot do this without his permission as he has parent responsibility. However; she is an expert manipulator and we feel it won't be long before the children 'express' a wish to have the same name as mummy.

Can she force the issue for the children to have a double barrelled maternal/paternal surname i.e. Smith-Jones or Jones-Smith if dad doesn't agree. I know she can't surrender fathers surname in it's entirety however much she would like to.

These kids really have been through enough without adding an identity crisis to the mix and when they are old enough they could choose whether to double barrell their surname for themselves without any manipulation and pressure.

Although the consent of all those with Parental Responsibility or permission from the courts is required to change child's name there is no law that prevents it IYCWIM.

A change of surname is a private law matter that should be resolved between parents. If parents can't agree it is open to either of them to apply for a court order to regulate PR. If your partner doesn't agree the change his ex should apply to court for permission but if she doesn't your partner can apply for Prohibited Steps Order to prevent any change in name or have it changed back.

The courts are quite clear that a child's name shouldn't be changed unless changing the name would be in the best interests of the child. For example, if a parent had committed a serious crime heavily reported in the national media a change of name to protect the child might be sanctioned.