Child Name Change Solicitors

If you wish to change your child’s name, you will need the support from our specialist family team.

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Can I change my child’s name?

If you wish to change your child’s name, you will need the written consent of all of those with Parental Responsibility. This will always include the child’s mother and in most cases, the child’s father. Please refer to our Parental Responsibility section for more information.

Parents may wish to change their child’s name due to various reasons. Can you please share example situations where someone might want to change a child’s name?

To enable a child to have the same surname as a step-sibling or stepparent
To double barrel a child’s surname to incorporate both parents’ names
If a child no longer has any contact with the parent whose surname they have

Changing a child’s name without permission

If you cannot obtain the written consent of all of those with Parental Responsibility, you can apply to the court for a Specific Issue Order to change your child’s name. This should only be used a last resort as court proceedings can be expensive, lengthy and can increase animosity.

Our family solicitors can advise on how you can resolve the issue amicably via negotiation or mediation. Mediation involves an independent, trained professional mediator speaking to both parties and attempting to agree on a mutual arrangement.

If mediation is unsuccessful, we can advise on the necessary next steps which may include applying for a court order. Usually, the court will only change a child’s name if there are compelling reasons for the change and the change would benefit the child’s welfare.

For example, it is unlikely that a mother would succeed on an application to change the child’s surname to her own, on the basis that she has separated from the father, if the father remains involved in the child’s life.