Historic change of name issue

[maxineputyourredshoeson]

DH has been known by his surname since he was around 8 - his mum got remarried and his name was changed to known as nothing official. His passport/driving license/our marriage certificate are all in his known as name. His birth certificate is obviously in his birth name.

DH father died and his pension provider wants to see a statutory declaration or letter from a solicitor to confirm he is who he says he is.

DH has spoken to a solicitor who has advised it would be £150 for him to do this, is this the standard fee? We simply cannot afford to pay this - I am disabled and we live on benefits. In saying that I appreciate a solicitor needs to earn a wage.

The solicitor said as he’s been known by his name for over 35yrs he is unable to use deed poll - is this correct?

Although they said a solicitor is there anyone else who can do this for him?

He has his birth certificate, his mums divorce papers and new wedding certificate and will be able to get further information if needed.

Following as I have similar

My parents divorced, and I took my mother's maiden name. No paperwork. Just known as.

If you are prepared to write the statutory declaration yourself, you should be able to find a solicitor who will witness it for much less than that - I have seen solicitors advertise the service for as little as £5. But there is specific wording that is necessary (which one of the solicitors on here may be able to help with?).

Also, your local citizens advice bureau may be able to help.

Presumably the £150 cost will enable him to access the pension fund?
How much is that?

ShingleBeach Yes, it would it’s just over £14k which would be split 3 ways - between DH, BIL and MIL - MIL is included as she never received anything from DH’s dad after they spilt when DH was 4.

Sussexbonfireviking Thats interesting thank you. I had seen on Google that the standard free for the declaration is £5 then £2 for each additional. I was unaware that DH could write it himself but have seen what wording should I be included. I appreciate the solicitor would be using their time and we are paying for their expertise but unfortunately we are unable to get our hands on £150 to pay them unless we receive the payout and we can’t get the payout unless we spend the £150.

We have previously had the money released from his bank account (£11k) which was used for funeral expenses etc and that was released to DH after an in-depth telephone conversation and the pension is held within the same group.