My ex has changed our child's surname - what can I do?

If you have parental responsibility and your ex has changed your child’s surname without your consent, you should take the following steps.

Your first step should be to request your ex to immediately revert back to the child’s original name. If your ex refuses, you should apply to the court for an order or orders under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989. The Court can make the following orders:

A Specific Issue Order – this will order your ex to revert back to your childs original name.

A Prohibited Steps Order – this can be made in addition to a Specific Issue Order to prohibit any further changes of name.

You should also notify relevant organisations such as the Passport Office, your childs school, and GP that you do not consent to the change of name and inform them of any legal proceedings.