Changing the Surname of Children Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Changing the Surname of Children - Essay ExampleFamilies believed that changing a childs surname is master(prenominal) to obtain proper financial support for the child from the father and as a confirmation to the child that he or she is genuinely and securely part of a family therefore butt end demand vested rights from his or her parents. Relevantly important is that in knowing the father of the child, it can help provide medical information which can help make out questions about the health of the child and his or her characteristics as he or she grows up. Proper medical information about a child is important so that she will be given the proper medical treatment in a hospital in cases she got sick or suffered a disease, or a clear explanation about the traits he or she possesses. An example of a disease or trait where medical information about the child is important is the sickle cell disease and the sickle cell trait.Under the British laws, changing the surname of a child sho uld be in consonance with the eatable of the Children Act 1989 and the Family Law Reform Act 1987. These laws, particularly the Children Act, provide that in order to win this case, the Court should be persuaded that the change of surname is in the outgo interest of the child, that is, for the welfare of the subject. Any person who may seek the change of a childs surname should seek a leave of Court is so doing. The persons who can seek the change of a childs surname are those having maternal responsibility including the biological father. Parental responsibility shall mean all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which by law a parent of a child have in relation to the child and his property (Children Act 1989, sec. 3, par. 1). In this case, since Mr. smith was granted parental responsibility over his children, he has the right to ask the Court to change the surname of his children to his surname.When confronted with a petition to change a childs surname, the Court is reminded that some(prenominal) slow down in determining the questions is likely to prejudice the welfare of the child (Children Act 1989, sec. 1, par.2). In determining whether to grant the said petition, the Court should consider the followinga) the determinable wishes and feelings of the child concerned (considered in the light of his age and understanding)b) his physical, emotional, and educational needsc) the likely effect on him of any change in his circumstancesd) his age, sex, background, and any characteristics of which the court considers relevante) any harm which he has suffered or is at risk of sufferingf) how capable each of his parents and any other person in relation to whom the court considers the question to be relevant is of meeting his needsg) the range of powers available to the court under this Act in the proceedings in question.The Court should also consider the welfare report or contact reports of the parent involved.In the case of Mr. Smiths, c onsidering the requirements set by law and of the evidences at achieve of the petitioner, the petition of Mr. Smith to change the surname of his children should be granted by the court for the following reasons1) The result of the paternity test revealed that Mr. Smith is the father of the children. 2) Mr. Smith is in the better position to take care of the children. He can best provide for the needs of the children. Contact