Changing child's name to the fathers

No, a deed poll does not change the birth certificate.

Changing the register of births / birth certificate is very different from changing a surname, and is much, much more complicated.

I know how it can be done for minors, but not sure on the process for over 18s.

He could start by looking into a Declaration of Parentage (which involves going to Court).

(eta) I also have no knowledge on if it is possible to amend a baptismal certificate.

I know that an access, custody or maintenance court order that names the father can be used to amend the register of births for minor children to add the father's details without the consent of the other parent. (I've done it).

But it's not possible to amend the registered surname of a minor child on their BC without written consent of both parents (also have been through that process).

But I am unsure if the same processes can be used by a child for their own birth cert, once they reach majority.

At that stage, afaik, it's out of the parents' hands, and the parents can no longer interfere with the now adult's birth certificate. At that stage, it's up to the now adult to seek a declaration of parentage. But I am open to correction on that.

OP, my advice is go straight to the General Register Office for further advice on amending the birth certificate.

The father might have a copy of any orders, (if they exist), and should be able to request copies of them without needing the consent of the other parent.

But one of those orders (i.e. access, custody or maintenance) by itself is not sufficient for GRO to change a surname on the register, even for a minor child.

There are processes in place which allow for corrections of mistakes on the register, e.g. the miss-spelling of a name.

However, the total exclusion of a surname, is not considered a mistake.

I've been through this process myself, specifically in relation to a child's surname. It's a lot of back and forth and paperwork, and each parent is informed by the GRO in writing of any application made to alter a surname. They then have 28 days to reply to the GRO with either consent or denial to any changes. If either parent refuses consent, the surname will not be amended (yet again, this applies to under 18's.)

(eta) OP, if the father's details are not already included on the birth cert, and no family law court orders exist, here is more information on a Declaration of Parentage, and how to get one > Paternity and Declaration of Parentage - Court Service

The in-camera rule is to protect privacy of the parties involved in court proceedings.

Yet, GRO and other government bodies (e.g. DSP) often request copies of court orders when doing means assessments, without needing anyone to seek leave from the Court for them to be released to them. When I had to provide the GRO with copies of my court orders in relation to my own applications, I didn't have to get leave from the Court to do so, even though the GRO was not party to the proceedings.

My now adult daughter has also seen any court orders I have, and as she is named in them, I don't think Court permission is needed to show them or give them to her.

Okay, if you say so.

I was unsure of the year, it may have been 2004 - I might be mixing the date with the amendments to another Act.

But, there is a new Civil Registration Act 2024 this year which will now allow for online registration of births!