Closed petition Give parents rights to have their surname in their child's name after separation

Closed on 7 August 2023

Give parents who have divorced or separated from the child's other parent the right to have their surname added to their child's name, without needing the consent of the other parent.

Often children will only be given the surname of one parent, whether or not the parents share a surname. This can be a particular issue where parents separate, especially when a mother returns to using her maiden name.

I believe it is unfair and archaic that one parent can refuse to allow a child's name to be changed to include the surnames of both parents. Parents should have the right to have their surname included in their child's name, without needing the consent of the other parent.