Petition · past parliament · Ministry of Justice

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

Closed 122 signatures

What the petition asks

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.

Timeline

7 Feb 2023 Petition opened for signatures
7 Aug 2023 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 122
Status Closed
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 7 Feb 2023
Closed 7 Aug 2023

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.