Newborn registration.

[bon3yard]

Hi all, we're due to register our newborn on Wednesday and we have a question regarding her surname. I'm the father and am currently changing my surname, the idea being that I've never liked mine and didnt want to saddle our sprog with a shit last name. I just wanted to know what the legalities of doing this are? Can I simply show up on Wednesday and give the registrar my newly assumed surname to apply to my child and once its down on the birth certificate is that legally binding? Any advice and info gratefully received. M.

[bon3yard]

...hello?

[Convex]

id imagine so, but can you call them and ask?

we had to call them about a different matter and they were very helpful.

[????]

From memory, it's an important legal process rather than just a bureaucratic naming ceremony and you'll need proof of ID etc so, no, you can't just say 'can you bung me down as Smith' unless that's your legal name.

[bon3yard]

Thanks guys.

[devsdev]

You have 8 weeks (or is it more) from birth, so can always postpone registration if you still have time till you sort your name out.

[monniemae]

Hello, you can give your child whatever the hell surname you like. It doesn't matter what name you have or intend to have yourself, though the birth cert WILL reflect your existing legal name - unless you quickly change it by deed poll (you can do this online and I think it applies immediately, but check).

My partner and I registered our daughter with a different surname to either of us - no one cared, it's completely legal.

And congratulations :)