Name change notaries in London?

[silveraj]

I've just phoned a bunch of solicitors etc in London about notarising a change of name, and the average price they're quoting is £60! I've used the template off ftm.org.uk so I don't need it written up, just notarised.

Now I know a lot of you have got it done for under £20 - the question is where?

Comments

[nobmouse]

'Phone your local magistrates' court. They can witness the document for you.

[ksej]

Is there a magic phrase you need to use? When I phoned mine, they said I ought to see a solicitor.

[nobmouse]

That's most likely because some magistrates (and the staff provided for them by the LGBT-hating Department of Constitutional Affairs) usually don't know what they can and can't do.

Any magistrate can act as a notary public so you can call them and say "I need a statutory declaration witnessed by a notary public. I know magistrates can act in this capacity and I would like an appointment to have my statutory declaration witnessed in this manner", or words to that effect. Don't take no for an answer and inform them that magistrates across the country do this routinely.

If they keep being a problem, ask for their name, their position and the name & address of the person you should complain to (although I doubt a complaint will actually achieve much given the DCA is currently facing at least two separate court battles for discrimination).

[auntysarah]

Just ask for an appointment for a document signing.

[nyecamden]

My local solicitors in Camden charged just £5. If you make it clear on the phone that you've already got the document drawn up and all they need to do is witness it, they shouldn't charge more than £5. I went to Ahmed & Co Solicitors, 67a Camden High Street, 020 73832243.

[silveraj]

Perfect, thanks! I didn't want to shlep down to a court because I can't get away from work for long enough, and there aren't any courts near Camden, where my office is!
Thanks loads for that solicitor phone number :-)
I remember you from Purrr, how ya doing? x

[silveraj]

Ah - they're not actually notaries... but they said they would witness it. I am so confused. What is the difference and how will the lack of proper notarising affect me?!

[nyecamden]

You can get a notary OR a solicitor to do it. I don't know the legal difference, but a solicitor witnessing your statutory declaration will make it a completely legal document.

[x_mass]

the price for notarising a stat dec (which a name change document is) is a £5. Its stipulated by the government. If your really stuck grab either the oxford tube or oxford link to oxford. Go to Darbys http://www.darbys.co.uk/ in new in hall street just off george street, its 5 minutes away from the coach stop. Its an hour and half to oxford from central london, so have a nice day in oxford. Total price £12 for ticket +£5 for stat dec

[adam_snake]

mine cost me £85 so you have it cheaper than i did.

[emmajnation]

What did you get for that? Did they draft it for you as well or just sign/stamp your own?

[adam_snake]

they did everything i did nothing but sign it when they where done :) i got 3 extra copys aswell :)

Notaries are just to witness your oath or signing of a document

[anonymous]

A notary is not allowed to prepare your document. Check with the receiver of the document as to the language or you could be wasting your time.

Ntsike
http://www.needanotary.net/search.php