Can a statutory declaration be made by a 16 year old?

[mbb1]

I've been advised by a solicitor, in writing, that "in terms of a Statutory Declaration, a party usually has to be 18 to sign this document". However my 16 year old DS signed one yesterday (to change his name) at a different solicitors, with no problems and no questions asked. I'd be really grateful for some advice on this, thanks

www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll/change-a-childs-name

The government website says that's fine.

Hi, yes I've seen that but that specifically refers to deed poll and he's done it with a stat dec. I just can't understand how I can get completely different advice from 2 solicitors. The letter from the first one also said that DS needed parental permission (from absent father) and I know that's definitely untrue.

Oh sorry I skim read !
I went to court to change my child's name as the other parent with PR is absent and they said my child could do it themselves at 16 but they didn't specify how.

You never need a statutory declaration to change a name. It's completely unnecessary. Simple change of name need is all that is needed.

A stat Dec is an alternative to deed poll. Was very easy and already have it now. I was querying the advice I was given by a particular solicitor.