SAKHAGI & BRAWN

In the matter of *Sakhagi & Brawn*, heard before Berman J, the dispute concerned an application by the mother to change the surname of the child from "Sakhagi" to her maiden name, "Brawn". The father opposed this application, arguing that the child should retain her legal surname to prevent confusion, despite the child having been known socially by the mother's maiden name. The court was required to consider the paramount consideration of the child's best interests when determining whether to grant leave for the surname change.

Berman J granted the mother's application to change the child's surname. The court's reasoning, while not detailed in the provided text, would have involved weighing the competing interests of the parents against the welfare of the child. The fact that the child was already known socially by the proposed new surname likely played a significant role in the court's determination that the change was in the child's best interests. The legal principle applied is that in all matters concerning children, their welfare is the primary consideration.

The court ordered that the child, born "B Sakhagi" in 2008, would henceforth be known by the name "B Brawn". Both the mother and the father were directed to take all necessary steps to effect this legal name change within fourteen days of the order. Additionally, the order appointing an Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged.