changing my babies surname?

Question

i have a baby from a previous relationship that has my ex's surname. i am now expecting another baby from my new partner, can i change my first babies name. the babies father has weekly contact but i worry about having two babies with different names. any advice please.

Answer 1

my boyfriend used as a kid to be in the same situation like your baby.

His step father adopted him. Naturally he got the step fathers name.

another reason, why I think this was important, is that he wouldnt had had an right of succession. (just his sisters which are the blood daughters)

In this way he belong to the familiy just like his half sisters aswell.

Answer 2

It's sounds like a sticky situation as the father has weekly contact i feel that he may have a problem with the name change. Whatever made u go ya separate ways , he now has a splittin link between him an baby n i think if he is a caring father he will feel like he's lost total linkage between him/her . An would probably cause quite a few arguments which I'm sure u don't want . See with my situation my 1St's father jus stopped seein her after a few months of us splitting an moved to manc to be with another woman an child without even thinkin of his first, An never told me. She is now 7 an cos of no money support or contact i was able to change her surname without his knowledge/consent by a statutory declaration which you type out yourself and take to a solicitor to sign . I would ask him to see what his views were, an if he disagrees then i would sit down an think long an hard whether its worth the hassle ? does it really matter having a different surname? is This for you or do you think it will really matter to the child ? is it worth taking it further and dragging ya self an him through court ?plus do u think your reason is good enough to stand up in court ? A book i found helpful was the new penguin guide to the law 5th edition by john pritchard
plus u more than welcome to Im me about more help or info .

Answer 3

are you worried about what people would say about your kids having 2 different fathers, are what? If he didn't marry you than he really doesn't have the right to give the child his last name any way. But that is not an excuse for you to change your baby's last name. You should have thought of that before having kids with someone you didn't plan on marrying.

Answer 4

Hi, I have experienced your situation as I had 2 kids when I split from my wife. My ex wife is remarried and has had 2 more children. She wanted to change my childrens' surnames and asked me if I would agree to it; even offering to waive their maintenance. I didn't agree because I had fought tooth and nail to retain contact with them and I wanted them to know who their father was and that their father really cared for them. In the end my ex sewed labels with their step-fathers surname into their school uniform and I found out that she had registered them at doctors and schools etc with the new surname. I sought legal advice and was advised it was illegal to change their names without my consent and in the end I had to go to court to get it sorted out.

My daughter who is now 12 told me just last weekend that she was glad she had my name because I am her Daddy.

Your ex could be different to me and may agree to your proposal. Whatever you do I would recommend talking with him about it as talking is always the best way, even if difficult. Good luck.

Answer 5

This is the reality you have to live with .It is not wise to change someones surname because of your ambitions .Surname is not just a name that just being given to you.It is a tool that will help the kids to search for their fore fathers.it creates bonds between relatives.What would you do if somebody changed your surname.Do you mean if you breakup with your current partner you will change surname of both kids.Keeping the surname of your kid will encourage father to keep on supporting his kid without court order .Real men want their name to live forever .With the surname your child may be able to track back his /her ancestors .What will say if your kid ask why did you change her/his surname just for stepfather?

Answer 6

I see nothing wrong with the situation. You will be taking that child away from the father in a way. How would you feel if this was done to you. This baby should always know who he is and who his ancestors are, help him/her to always feel proud of his father and that part of him/her. Be careful that you don't hurt someone just because you want something.

Answer 7

You can change it legally by deed poll but your ex is asked for agreement. If you are communicating this can be possible. In special circumstances a court could rule to change it without agreement. You can change the name informally any time you like but this cannot be the legal name needed for legal documents etc, e.g. passport, Educational awards. Basically names can be changed and used by any of us anytime but not legally unless done through a solicitor.

Answer 8

I've just recently changed my daughters surname, does your ex have parental responsibility? If so then he'd need to be consulted. and his permission would be required, if he doesn't hold parental responsibility then you can legally change surname with out his permission.Make an appointment with a solicitor first hour is normally free so just to enquire would not cost you anything.

Answer 9

you can change the surname of your child by deed poll but you have to have consent of all legal guardians, check out the website below it has all the details on there, but as others have suggested it should be discussed with the childs father to save any agro! good luck x

Answer 10

Sorry you have gotton into a pickle her. Is your first child using your name? Is so PLEASE do not go changing their name, it is their identity and they will resent you for it. Wait until your are married and then do it but bringing new partners in and having more children changing your other child's name Im afraid is totally unacceptable.