Changing your name should be simple. It’s a personal decision, a matter of identity, and a legal right. Yet for people on low incomes, even this straightforward process can feel like climbing a financial mountain.
Some solicitors charge around £120 just to witness a statutory declaration of change of name. Yes, you read that right—£120 for something that, in reality, takes a few minutes to complete. The statutory declaration itself is a basic legal document; it doesn’t involve complex contracts, negotiations, or hours of legal work. To charge this much is simply outlandish.
For someone already struggling to cover rent, bills, and daily essentials, this fee is a significant barrier. It turns a basic right into a luxury, making it harder for people with limited means to take control of their own identity.
Fortunately, there are ways to make it more affordable. Some solicitors charge £20–£40 to witness a statutory declaration, and you can also use magistrates, notaries, or other qualified witnesses. But the existence of these extreme fees raises an important question: why should a simple, statutory process be made so unnecessarily expensive for some of the most vulnerable in society?
Changing your name is about dignity, identity, and personal choice. It shouldn’t be reserved for those who can afford an inflated fee. Access to justice and equality means ensuring that everyone, regardless of income, can exercise this right without financial strain.
#NameChange #LowIncomeChallenges #AccessToJustice #Equality #LegalFees #StatutoryDeclaration #OutrageousFees