When completing your deed poll, selecting appropriate witnesses is a crucial step to ensure the document’s legal validity. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand who can act as your witnesses and the requirements they must meet:
Who Can Be a Witness?
A witness can be anybody who meets the following criteria:
- Not living at the same address as you: Your witnesses must reside at a different address to ensure independence.
- Over 18 years old: They must be of legal adult age.
- Not related to you: This includes parents, siblings, children, or extended family members. Independence is key to validating your deed poll.
Why Are Witnesses Required?
Witnesses serve an essential legal role by confirming that:
- You signed the deed poll willingly and in their presence.
- The document accurately reflects your intention to change your name.
Their details and signatures provide assurance to organisations that your deed poll is genuine and properly executed.
Ideal Candidates for Witnesses
If you’re unsure who to ask, consider:
- Friends or colleagues.
- Neighbors who live nearby.
- Professionals you know personally, such as teachers, nurses, or local business owners.
As long as they meet the criteria above, anyone can act as a witness.
What Does a Witness Need to Do?
Each witness will need to:
- Observe you signing your deed poll document.
- Sign their name on the document in the designated area.
- Provide their full name and address.