Changing a Child’s Name

An SIO is used when parents or guardians cannot agree on a name change. In these cases, the court determines what’s best for the child. The decision is based on factors such as the child’s age, the reason behind the name change, and how it could affect their identity and emotional health.

A PSO, on the other hand, prevents one parent from changing the child’s name without the other’s agreement. This order is especially important if the name change could harm the child’s sense of stability, create confusion, or cause emotional distress.

Ultimately, the court’s goal in both cases is to ensure that any decision—whether it allows or blocks a name change—protects the child’s well-being. This includes safeguarding their right to grow up in a stable, secure, and supportive environment, as the Children Act 1989 emphasises.

If you need assistance changing your child’s name, contact our family law solicitors in Milton Keynes.