My DD1 turns 16 next wk.
Her father has chosen to have no contact since she was 1YO & chose never to meet DD2 who is now 14YO.
He has PR for DD1 but not DD2.
Both my children want to change their surname to mine. They have been known at school using my surname since September (as a known-by name). This was their choice in timing to 'go public' but they actually first wanted to change name at least 8 yrs ago (but would've needed court & couldn't face) so this is not a rash decision, they have consistently wanted to make this change formally ever since.
Officially changing DD2 surname is straight forward, I can do an enrolled deed poll direct with gov records.
Changing DD1 is less straightforward & this is where I need help.
From 16YO, I know she can't do an enrolled deed name change herself but can do an unenrolled one. However I've had limited & differing advice from local solicitors I've contacted, and the advice doesn't marry up completely with the gov own website advice which I'd assume to be reliable.
Please can someone explain if she needs a name change deed or a statutory declaration.
Also, witnesses. Many solicitors I've spoken to won't touch this for a 16YO. There's 2 that potentially will. One will only witness the document if they draw it up, full cost around £300. The other was hazy, not 100% being able to do this but thought they could for £5-10 per signature. I'd made those enquiries in Dec & need to firm things up now.
I was hoping to print off the documents using the template vocab from the gov website & just pay for official signatures to keep costs down. Is this realistic? Do I need to check the credentials of whoever signs it? Does it matter if it's printed on bog standard printer paper..? As I might need to print off at the library.
When DD1 turns 18 we'll do an enrolled version so this is primarily so she can have her GCSE certificates in her chosen surname at the mo (which is really important to her) meaning we can't wait. However the deadline for the exam board to officiate the change is around 8th Feb so I need to get this right first time.
Thank you for reading & any help.