Closed petition Enable one parent to change their child's name if the other parent is absent

Closed on 2 June 2021

I would like it to be possible for a resident parent to change their child’s name without the permission of the other parent, or needing to get a court order, if the other parent has been absent from the child’s life for more than 5 years.

My children have absent fathers but because they still have parental responsibility I cannot change their name without the father’s consent. I’d like to be able to change their name without having to get in contact with the fathers and ask for their permission, as they haven’t been involved in their upbringing or even helped with child maintenance. I’ve brought them up on my own, and feel I shouldn’t have to consult an absent parent on changing their names.