Do you know what changing DD's name will entail Divvy? Her father definately will protest although I have proof of his threats against me that if I drop the maintaence owning he will sign the forms. As DD has never been known as the name on her birth certificate will this improve our case? Her health records and all school reports, sporting etc are in the name she wants to change it to and always have. If its to difficult then we will just wait but if not I'd like to go ahead and have it changed for her.
Panda has been known by my married name since she was 2, her school records, medical records, bank account etc are all in my married name. The only thing she has had to use her birth name on is her passport application.

I haven't been through the process of having it legally changed because I know XP will never agree to it; but also because it lets her make the decision when she's older. She may feel very differently about it at 18 or 20 to what she did at 12 or 14.

It hasn't ever been a big deal because she has only ever had to use it for her passport; if it matters a lot to her than no doubt she will do it of her own accord when she is able.

It's a pity that your ex is being so difficult about it, he sounds like a royal PITA actually. At the age of 11 I think the wishes of a child should be taken into account at the very least, by the parents. Unfortunately it's just another thing to use as a bargaining tool in many cases

You might find though that if you did go to court they would take her feelings into account, I don't know how much weight they would give them.

Best of luck with it, I hope you can get it sorted.