Can I change my child’s name through deed poll without the other parent’s consent?

If you want to change your child’s name by an unenrolled deed poll in the UK, you do not legally need to have the other parent involved in the process, as long as you have parental responsibility.

However, it is generally recommended to have the consent of both parents, if possible, to avoid any potential disputes or issues down the line.

The deed poll itself can be executed by just one parent, but you should check if any organizations require the involvement of both parents for the name change.

Updating the Child’s Passport with the New Name

Once you have the deed poll, you will need to update your child’s passport with the new name.

If the other parent’s name is on the birth certificate, the passport office usually require their consent or involvement in the passport update, even if they were not involved in the deed poll process.

The passport office will want to see the deed poll as evidence of the name change, but they may also ask for additional documentation, such as the child’s birth certificate.

It’s a good idea to check the specific requirements of the passport office before applying for the passport update, to ensure you have all the necessary documentation and approvals in place.

The key is that while you may not legally need the other parent’s involvement to change your child’s name by deed poll, it is generally recommended to try to obtain their consent if possible, especially if their name is on the birth certificate. The requirements can vary depending on the specific organisations you are dealing with, so it’s important to check the guidelines.

What to do if you have No Contact with the Other Parent

If the other parent’s whereabouts are unknown or they refuse to provide consent, you may need to apply for a court order to change the child’s name without their consent.

Applying for a Court Order:

If you cannot obtain the other parent’s consent, you can apply to the court for a “Specific Issue Order” to change the child’s name without their agreement.

To get the court’s approval, you will need to demonstrate good reasons for changing the child’s name.   When a court decides whether to allow the name change,  the welfare of children is widely recognised as the paramount consideration.