[Ianthe]

Does anyone know how complicated it is to change a child's surname? Do you need the other parent's permission?

My kids have been asking if my husband and I divorce would I start using my maiden name. I said I didn't know but possibly. I have all brothers so all of 'my' family have the same surname. One has now asked if we could hyphenate our two surnames. I cannot imagine my ex will like that idea at all but anyone know how complicated it is?

And is having a double barrelled surname a pita?

[julia*v]

I am pretty sure if the children are under 18 you need both parents to sign the 'change of name' form.

You change your name legally through Births, Deaths and Marriages - so look up the one for your state to see each of the rules.

It is a very easy process. I think it costs about $150 (in WA) to complete.

[jameses mum]

You would need to ask their father if he consents to changing their surname; if he does it is fairly straight forward, if he doesn't you would then make an application to the appropriate court.

Births Deaths and Marriages can give you more info, or Law Access or similar in your state

[~Mintie~]

As PP's said you would need his permission as well as ID from him. If you can't get that you need a court order that specifies you can change the names. The cost is $166. It's not a complicated process as long as you can meet the ID requirements, but takes about 6 weeks to complete.

[mad madam mim]

I THINK you don't need permission if you have been out of contact with the father for 2years? Don't quote me on this as I could be very wrong, but I think I heard it somewhere.

[peebs]

EDIT

This post has been edited by peebs: 10/01/2013, 11:03 PM

[JustBeige]

I THINK you don't need permission if you have been out of contact with the father for 2years? Don't quote me on this as I could be very wrong, but I think I heard it somewhere.

Yep. I 'think' also you have to be unable to contact him. I remember a conversation with a mum going through this a couple of years ago. She had the added stress of trying to get them passports too.


BD&M will be able to tell you.

[idignantlyright]

We started using DH's surname at school for eldest DD, and at the doctors. So her file had written on it her new name, but her birthname was also there. It helped when she wanted to change it properly later.

[wombat]

My DD has a double barrel surname and does not find it a problem. As for whether you need your ex to agree I'm not sure, but I do know that years ago my cousin changed her kids names to hers and her ex objected, but it was allowed as both the kids were adamant they wanted to same name as thier mum. Not sure of the process to make that happen however.

[~kitteh.hoardere...]

When my parents split up, I hypenated my name. My Mum went back her maiden name because she was her Dad's only child, and he was an only child etc.

However, my Dad refused to sign the form. So until I was 18 I was legally unhyphenated. However, back then (in the 90s) we just told the school I wanted to be known with the hypenated name and then used my school report to change my bank account. Though my learners license was in the unhypenated name because that is what my birth certificate and medicare card said. My HSC and university enrolment was in the hypenated name, and I changed it legally when I turned 18 in the January before starting Uni.

TBH having a hypenated name does make it a lot more complicated for me, but I also have an unusual and difficult to spell first name.

I'm glad I did it for my mother though. However I will be changing my surname to my fiances surname when we are married in April.