In the United Kingdom, a deed poll is a legal document used for officially changing one's name. When signing and witnessing a deed poll, there are specific procedures that must be followed to ensure its validity.
The person wishing to change their name must draft the deed poll document, which typically includes their current name, the desired new name, and a statement declaring their intention to use the new name for all purposes. This document must be signed in the presence of a witness.
The witness must be an independent adult who is not related to or living with the person changing their name. It is recommended that the witness be someone of good standing in the community, such as a professional person or someone with a respected occupation.
When signing the deed poll, both the person changing their name and the witness must sign in each other's presence. The witness then needs to add their full name, address, and occupation below their signature. This information helps establish the credibility of the witness in case the deed poll is ever questioned.
After the deed poll has been signed and witnessed, it is advisable to have it enrolled with the Royal Courts of Justice in London, although this is not a legal requirement. Enrolling the deed poll provides additional evidence of the name change and can make it easier to update official documents such as passports and driving licenses.
Signing and witnessing deed poll in the UK requires careful attention to detail to ensure its validity. By following the correct procedures, individuals can legally change their name and update their official documents accordingly.
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