Child’s Name Change

We would strongly recommend that you seek advice before attempting to change the name of a child (a child being someone under the age of sixteen).

It is possible to record a formal change of name (either forename and/or surname) of someone whose birth was registered in Scotland or for anyone adopted in Scotland.  Where this is a child under sixteen years of age, the applicant can be the parent who has Parental Responsibilities in respect of the child if there is only one parent who has parental responsibilities.  If there are two parents with parental responsibilities then both parents can then apply. A application form is available from the General Registrars of Scotland

If there is a dispute about a change of name between two parents who both have parental responsibilities and rights, then an application may be required to be made to the court for permission to change the child’s name.  If a name is changed unilaterally then the parent who does not consent can apply to the court for an order requiring the name be changed back to what it was before. All of this might incur significant costs so it is essential you seek advice about this before trying to do anything yourself. Contact us.