24Application to register change of child's name

### 24 Application to register change of child's name > > (1)  [*\[Section 24 Subsection (1) amended by No. 7 of 2019, s. 19, Applied:05 Sep 2019\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS19@Hpc@EN) The parents of a child who has not attained the age of 16 years – > > > > > > (a) who is domiciled or ordinarily resident in the State; or > > > > > > > (b) whose birth is registered in the State – > > > > may apply to the Registrar, in a form approved by the Registrar, for registration of a change of the child's name. > > > (2)  [*\[Section 24 Subsection (2) amended by No. 7 of 2019, s. 19, Applied:05 Sep 2019\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS19@Hpb@EN) An application for registration of a change of a child's name may be made by one parent under [subsection (1)](#GS24@Gs1@EN) if – > > > > > > (a) the applicant is the sole parent named in the registration of the child's birth under this Act or any other law; or > > > > > > > (b) there is no other surviving parent of the child; or > > > > > > > (c) a magistrate approves the proposed change of name. > > > (3)  [*\[Section 24 Subsection (3) amended by No. 7 of 2019, s. 19, Applied:05 Sep 2019\]*](/view/html/inforce/2019-09-05/act-2019-007#GS19@Hpa@EN) [*\[Section 24 Subsection (3) substituted by No. 5 of 2023, s. 7, Applied:13 Jun 2023\]*](/view/html/inforce/2023-06-13/act-2023-005#GS7@EN) A magistrate may approve, on application by a child's parent, a proposed change of name for the child under [subsection (1)](#GS24@Gs1@EN) if the magistrate is satisfied – > > > > > > (a) that the proposed change of name for the child is consistent with the will and preference of the child; or > > > > > > > (b) that the child is unable to understand the meaning and implications of the proposed change of name and that the proposed change of name is in the best interests of the child. > > > (4)  If the parents of a child are dead, cannot be found, or for some other reason cannot exercise their parental responsibilities in respect of the child, the child's guardian may apply for registration of a change of the child's name.