By Anthony Jones, Solicitor

…well you cannot change it unless you are David or Victoria Beckham.  Changing names of children depends upon whether you have Parental Responsibility or not.  Mother’s always have Parental Responsibility for their children whereas as an unmarried father you may not.  It is, however, good practice whether the father has Parental Responsibility or not, to obtain consent to change a child’s name.  You should always get that consent in writing. If you have not obtained consent then you should make an application to the Court to change the name.  If you do not and you change the name of your child without the father’s consent then the father can make an application to the Court to change the child’s name back.

Changing a child’s name is an issue which should not be underestimated.  A Court may be unwilling to change a child’s name unless it is in the child’s best interest to do so.

If you intend to change your child’s name then you should seek legal advice before doing so.

Anthony Jones is based at Chafes Solicitors LLP Wilmslow office and can be contacted on 01625 531676 or emailed at anthony.jones@chafes.co.uk