Restrictions could ease on names

At the moment the child is given the father's name if parents are married

Parents could soon have more choice over the surname of their child.

A scrutiny committee is investigating proposals to give parents in Jersey a wider number of names to choose from.

At the moment a child has to be registered with the father's name if the parents are married and the mother's name if they are not.

In future married and unmarried parents could also choose the maiden surname of the mother, the surname of the father, or a combination of the two.

The proposals came about after Home Affairs Minister Wendy Kinnard was approached by parents wanting a greater say in the family name of their child.

The proposition to change the law will be debated by the States on 3 June.