We at Adam Bernard Solicitors are aware that the legal system can be intimidating, particularly when you require statutory declarations, powers of attorney, affidavits, or certifications right away. “What is a Commissioner for Oaths in the UK, and when do I need one?” is one of the most frequent queries we receive.
The function of a Commissioner for Oaths, the difficulties people encounter while looking for services like statutory declarations, documents pertaining to name changes, apostilles, and certifications, and how our staff may assist are all covered in this handbook. Knowing this procedure will help you avoid needless expenses, time, and stress when creating a permanent power of attorney, contesting a parking ticket, or writing a travel consent letter.
What is a Commissioner for Oaths in the UK?
A attorney or other authorised professional can administer oaths, witness signatures, and verify documents for legal use in their capacity as a Commissioner for Oaths. Practically speaking, this means they are able to: provide affirmations or oaths in support of affidavits
- Verified statutory statements
- Documents (including credentials, identification cards, and passports) must be certified.
- Verify sponsorship statements and powers of attorney by taking the signatory’s signature.
- In a nutshell, a Commissioner for Oaths is an expert who can verify the legitimacy of your documents in a court of law.
Common Challenges People Face
1. Confusion About Services
It is often unclear if the services of a solicitor, notary public, or Commissioner for Oaths are required. Searches like “is commissioner for oaths same as notary UK” or “solicitor vs commissioner for oaths fees UK” demonstrate this lack of definitive knowledge.
2. Finding a Local Professional
People are looking for a nearby, accessible counsel to witness their documents fast, therefore phrases like “commissioner for oaths near me” or “how to get a commissioner for oaths appointment UK” rank among the most-searched online.
3. Cost and Transparency
An often-asked question is, “What is the cost of a commissioner for oaths in the UK?” as an alternative to “nearest commissioner for oaths service.” The type of document, the level of urgency, and the necessity of any additional certifications (like an apostille) can all affect the cost.
4. Complex or Sensitive Matters
Some documents—such as single/unmarried declarations, sponsorship letters, or travel consent letters for children—carry emotional and legal weight. Delays or mistakes can lead to visa refusals, cancelled travel, or family complications.
5. Specialist Forms and Declarations
Certain processes, such as ID1 and ID2 forms required by HM Land Registry, or statutory declarations for name changes, often leave clients asking, “where do I sign a statutory declaration with a commissioner for oaths?”
How Adam Bernard Solicitors Can Help
We provide clear, affordable, and professional Commissioner for Oaths services across London and nationwide. Here’s how we support you:
- Accessibility: We are easily reachable for those searching “commissioner for oaths near me” with appointments available both in-person and online where permitted.
- Expertise: Our solicitors are qualified Commissioners for Oaths, meaning you don’t need to search separately for a notary unless your document is specifically for overseas use.
- Transparency: We provide upfront guidance on commissioner for oaths fees in the UK so you know exactly what to expect—no hidden charges.
- Comprehensive Services: From statutory declarations to lasting powers of attorney, change of name deeds, apostilles, document certification, and contesting parking ticket declarations, we handle it all.
- Fast Turnaround: Many documents, such as affidavits or ID forms, can be witnessed on the same day.
Key Services We Provide
Statutory Declarations
If you’re asking “how to make a statutory declaration UK” or “statutory declaration cost UK,” our solicitors will guide you through the drafting, witnessing, and signing process. This is often required for matters such as immigration, sponsorship, or financial confirmations.
Lasting Power of Attorney
Searches like “create lasting power of attorney” or “lasting power of attorney solicitor” are increasingly common as families plan for the future. We help you prepare and certify your LPA so that your financial, health, or personal affairs are protected.
Change of Name
If you are looking to “change name legally UK” or “commissioner for oaths for change of name deed poll,” we can prepare and witness the documents. Whether for marriage, divorce, or personal reasons, our solicitors ensure your name change is fully recognised.
Certification and Attestation of Documents
Whether you need to certify a passport, attest qualifications, or obtain apostille services for overseas use, our solicitors act swiftly. Common searches like “certify documents near me” or “apostille documents UK” show how critical this service is for work, study, and travel abroad.
ID1 and ID2 Declarations
For property transactions, HM Land Registry requires ID1/ID2 forms to be verified by a solicitor. If you searched “ID1 ID2 declaration solicitor UK” or “solicitor ID1 ID2 declaration,” we can handle the process efficiently.
Single/Unmarried Status Declarations
Embassies often require proof of being single before a marriage abroad. Searches like “single declaration for embassy” or “single status affidavit” reflect how many people need this service urgently. We prepare and witness these declarations with full legal validity.
Parking Ticket Declarations
If you are challenging a fine and searching “contest parking ticket UK” or “parking ticket appeal declaration,” we can help draft and witness your declaration so that your case is presented correctly.
Why Choose Adam Bernard Solicitors?
- Trusted Legal Professionals: As solicitors, we act as Commissioners for Oaths under UK law.
- Local & Convenient: Whether you’re searching “commissioner for oaths London” or “commissioner for oaths appointment online,” we provide flexible options.
- Affordable Fees: We offer competitive rates, whether you need one document witnessed or multiple certifications.
- Personalised Service: Each case—whether a power of attorney, sponsorship declaration, or name change—is handled with care and confidentiality.
Conclusion
Whether you are preparing a statutory declaration, certifying ID documents, applying for a lasting power of attorney, or obtaining an apostille for use abroad, a Commissioner for Oaths plays an essential role in ensuring your documents are legally valid. At Adam Bernard Solicitors, we make this process straightforward, affordable, and stress-free. With our expertise in commissioner for oaths services in the UK, we provide the clarity and confidence you need for every legal document. Contact us today for your appointment—online or in person—and let us take the stress out of your legal paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Commissioner for Oaths in the UK is a solicitor or authorised professional who has the legal authority to administer oaths, witness affidavits, and certify statutory declarations. If you need to confirm the truth of a statement or sign a legal document, a Commissioner for Oaths ensures your paperwork is valid under UK law.
You can find a Commissioner for Oaths near you by contacting a local firm of solicitors, such as Adam Bernard Solicitors in London. Our team provides convenient in-office and, in some cases, online appointments for document certification, affidavits, and statutory declarations.
Yes, if you are preparing an affidavit in the UK, it must usually be sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths, a solicitor, or a notary public. This ensures that your affidavit is legally binding and accepted by courts, embassies, or government authorities.
Yes. In the UK, all practising solicitors are automatically Commissioners for Oaths. This means you can visit a solicitor’s office for services such as witnessing a statutory declaration, certifying documents, or swearing an affidavit.
A Commissioner for Oaths in the UK can witness:
- Statutory declarations
- Affidavits
- Powers of Attorney
- Change of name deeds
- Sponsorship and consent letters
ID1/ID2 forms for Land Registry
Essentially, any legal document requiring independent witnessing can be signed before a Commissioner for Oaths.
No. While both can witness and certify documents, a Commissioner for Oaths (solicitor) is usually sufficient for UK documents. A notary public is required if your document will be used overseas and may also require an apostille from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
A statutory declaration in the UK is a written statement of facts that you declare to be true in front of a Commissioner for Oaths or a solicitor. It is often required for matters such as name changes, financial declarations, or confirming your personal status.
Yes. If you are searching for a solicitor to certify documents near me, you can book an appointment at Adam Bernard Solicitors in London, where we can quickly certify copies of your passport, proof of address, or qualifications.
- Certification: A solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths confirms that a copy of a document is a true likeness of the original.
- Attestation: The solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths witnesses your signature on a legal document (such as a statutory declaration or affidavit).
Only authorised professionals such as solicitors, licensed conveyancers, or Commissioners for Oaths can verify ID1 and ID2 forms. At Adam Bernard Solicitors, we provide same-day ID1/ID2 form certification for property and Land Registry purposes.
A parking ticket declaration form in the UK is a legal document used when you want to appeal, contest, or challenge a parking fine. It allows you to make a sworn statement explaining why you should not be liable for the penalty. The form must often be signed in front of a Commissioner for Oaths or a solicitor to ensure it is legally valid and accepted by the relevant court or authority.
Yes. If you are making a parking ticket appeal declaration in the UK, you will usually need a solicitor or a Commissioner for Oaths to witness your signature. This ensures that your declaration form is properly certified and legally binding. At Adam Bernard Solicitors in London, we regularly help clients with parking ticket declaration forms, statutory declarations, and affidavits, making the process quick, affordable, and stress-free.
Yes, for legal recognition, it is advisable to have your deed poll signed and certified by a solicitor. Many people search “change of name solicitor UK”. At Adam Bernard Solicitors, we handle the full process, ensuring your name change is recognised by banks, employers, and government offices.
Yes. Many solicitors, including Adam Bernard Solicitors, offer online verification services where permitted by law.
