Commentary on Sections Section 16: Registration or alteration of child’s name
Repeals Article 37(2) of the 1976 Order so that the name change procedure contained in Article 37(3) is the only mechanism by which a change of name/surname in respect of a child under 18 years of age may be registered.
Dispenses with the requirement to produce, in respect of all name change procedures, documentary evidence to show that the new name/surname has been in use for a period of 2 years.
It also inserts new provisions into Article 37 which: 1) enable the Registrar General to notify such persons as the Registrar General deems appropriate that a change of name or surname has been recorded in the register; 2) enable any person who has made an application to have a change of name/surname recorded to apply to the Registrar General to have that change notified to other persons; 3) require any person making an application to pay a fee; 4) enable the Registrar General to impose conditions in relation to information on changes of name/surname notified to other persons and  5) enable the Registrar General to notify appropriate persons without an application having been made.