In what circumstances will a court order a change of name for a child? (Re B and another (Change of Names: Parental Responsibility: Evidence))

Table of contents

• Original news
• What issues did this case raise?
• To what extent is the judgment helpful in clarifying the law in this area?
• How did the court approach the application to change the forenames and surname of the children?
• How did the court approach the application to restrict the exercise of parental responsibility?
• What are the implications for practitioners? What will they need to be mindful of when advising in this area?

Article summary

Family analysis: Mai-Ling Savage, barrister at Garden Court Chambers, examines the issues in the case of Re B and another (Change of Names: Parental Responsibility: Evidence), which included an application by the mother to change her children’s names and a prohibited steps order restricting the father’s ability to exercise his parental responsibility.