Hi Ladies, hoping some of you might be able to help...
My son is almost 15 and has been asking for some time to change his surname to mine. Long story short his father hasn't been in his life a lot & hasn't seen him in over 5 years. We have recently began mediation for the 3rd time (we tried years ago when my son was small & his Dad just never really stuck to our agreement) I asked if this was possible & he has pretty sternly said no & it's not negotiable.
I have him 100% of the time, deal with his school, sports, medical appointments etc so would really like it to be changed (even in this day and age you would be surprised how many strangers will call me by my sons surname) & more importantly, it's my son's choice.
Has anyone dealt with anything like this before & would it be worth applying to the Family Courts? I just wasn't sure if I would have any chance. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated ?
Can a child's surname be changed?
Can a child's surname be changed?
Posted in:
Relationships & Marriage, Kids, Teenagers
5 Replies
May be worth finding out the cost & just applying to the court and see. At least then youll know you tried. I only say this because you have him 100% and his dad doesnt deserve a say and i agree a 15 year old should be able to decide. You could also argue that a name change at 16/18 would mean different names on school and uni certificates.
I think you can go by an alias. Lots of people use different names that aren't on there birth certificate. But seek legal advice your son is 15 so has a better chance of being heard than a 9 year old.
I'm in the same boat. Although my girls are only 9&11 they haven't had contact with their father in 8 years. When I met my now husband my girls decided they wanted too go by his last name. So we changed it through the schools and everything. Only on legal documents are they known by their real last name. It's expensive to go to court and at the moment we just can't afford it. When they're older and if they still want the name change then I'll do it legally but until then I'll keep it how it is.
What are you trying to mediate? Your sons 15 and wants to change his last name.
If you are in QLD go through the Magistrates Court and file an Originating Application to change your sons name. Seek a Solicitor for legal advice but fill in the forms and self represent yourself. It's very easy. Don't do it through the Family Court as other matters can be dealt with with the father (such as visitation etc even though he is 15 the father can do it just to piss you off) whereas the Magistrates Court only deals with the name change and can't rule on anything other then that.