Dear Maggs64
Welcome to the family and friends carers’ discussion board and thank you for your post. My name is Suzie, and I am FRG’s online adviser.
I can see that you would like your two granddaughters, who you care for under SGOs, to have the same surname so are looking into how to do this.
Changing the surname of a child who is subject to a special guardianship order can only be done with the written consent of all those with parental responsibility for the child, or by getting the court's permission if those people won't all consent. So in your granddaughter’s case, her father (with parental responsibility) would have to provide written consent too or you will have to apply to the court for permission to change her surname. If her father is not involved at all then the court would have to decide.
Any application you make to the court would involve the parents as parties and, they could, if they wish, challenge your application.
If you want to get the permission of the court to change your granddaughter’s surname, it would be a good idea to take legal advice about the process – you can contact
Child Law Advice,
Rights of Women or contact a solicitor with children law accreditation from the
Law Society. There is specific information about changing a child’s surname, from Child Law Advice
here.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes
Suzie