Changing your childs name can be very confusing. Change Your Name try to make this process as simple as possible. There are however some regulations that need to be adhered to. Below is a brief summary of this legislation. This is however not exhaustive. If your questions have not been answered please use our free question service by clicking the link below.
Children 15 years old and under
If both parents consent to the change of name a simple letter should be produced to accompany the deed poll. If both parents are married to one another at the time of the child's birth, both parents will normally hold parental resposibility. If not married at the time of the child's birth the father will not hold parental responsibility unless this is given by the mother of the child. From the 1st December 2003 a father automatically aquires parental responsibility if he is named on the child's birth certificate, whether he was married to the mother or not. Grandparents will only hold parental responsibility if the parents of the child have agreed to this or it has been awarded by a court. Children cared for by the local authorities will have a dedicated local social services who assume parental responsibility.
The change of name deed poll for your child is not valid unless it is accompanied by the written consent of each parent. Each consent should be kept with the deed poll.
If a parent of the child has since the birth not made contact with the other parent this should be detailed in the application under other information. A declaration can then be sent to you confirming the position. Enquiries including that with the Child Support Agency should also be detailed in the other information field.
If you fail to sign either declaration or obtain the written consent of the other parent we do not hold any responsibility for any legal action taken against you by the other parent.
Children between the ages of 16-18
A child at the age of sixteen is deemed old enough to decide on what their name will be. Between the ages of 16-18 the child's name can be changed only with the consent of all persons holding parental responsibility and the agreement of the child. The child however cannot change their name without the written consent of all persons holding parental responsibility for them. A consent form will be sent to you. This is included in the initial price. Once the consent form is signed and witnessed the deed poll becomes legally effective.
If you fail to obtain the correct consent as described above DLS Name Change take no responsibility for legal action taken against you by the other parties.