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News
Changing your child’s name after separation
April 30th, 2019
After separation, it is not uncommon for one spouse to change their name back to their maiden name as opposed to keeping their married name. But what about changing a child’s name?
As family lawyers we are often asked about the process for legally applying to register a change of a child’s name.
Section 17 of the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 2003, provides that:
- the parents of a child may apply to the Registrar for registration of a change of the child’s name; and
- an application for registration of a change of a child’s name may be made by one parent if the applying parent is the only parent named in the registration of the child’s birth (on their birth certificate), or there is no other surviving parent, or a Magistrate approved the proposed change of name.
This essentially means that if both parents are registered on the child’s birth certificate they must agree to the name change. If both parents do not agree, then the only way to register a name change is if an application is made to the court and the court makes an order for the name to be changed.
When considering whether or not a name change is in the child’s best interests, the court will have regard to, among other factors and the particular circumstances of the matter:[1]
- any embarrassment likely to be experienced if his or her name is different from the parent with residence or care and control;
- any confusion of identity which may arise if his or her name is changed or is not changed;
- the effect any change in surname may have on the relationship between the child and the parent whose name the child bore during the relationship;
- the effect of frequent or random changes of name;
- the contact that the non-custodial parent has had and is likely to have in the future with the child;
- the degree of identification which the child or children have with their non-custodial parent; and
- the degree of identification which the child or children have with the parent with whom they live.
This article focuses on the legal process to register a change in name. A child’s name can be informally changed through use of a different name. You should seek legal advice before informally changing your child’s name, especially if there are court orders already in place.
If an informal name change is made through use, the other parent can make an application to the court for the child to only be known by their legal name.
If you are wanting to change your child’s name we recommend that you first obtain legal advice. Please do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced Cairns family lawyers today to discuss your matter.
[1] Reagan & Orton [2016] FamCA 330.
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