More Information and Contacts

29 Jan

Most of the law on naming children, registering changes to children’s names and changing birth registration details can be found in the BDMR Act.
The BDM Vic’s website (www.bdm.vic.gov.au) is a useful source of information.
Most of the law on changing names is common law (for an explanation on the difference between common law and statute law, see ‘Sources of Australian law’ in Chapter 1.1: Where our laws come from).
For decisions made by the (formerly called) Family Court and Federal Circuit Court, see the Family Law Case Reports.
For change of name upon adoption orders, see section 56 of the Adoption Act 1984 (Vic).
For other Acts relevant to name changes, see the schedule to the BDMR Act.
The CCH Australian Family Law and Practice publication is also a useful reference.