Form

How to complete an affidavit (statement) of best interest for a child deed poll

Updated 20 August 2025

Applies to England, Northern Ireland and Wales

© Crown copyright 2025

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/affidavit-statement-of-best-interest-for-a-child-deed-poll-loc023/how-to-complete-an-affidavit-statement-of-best-interest-for-a-child-deed-poll

Before you start

Before applying you should first read the full guide on changing your or a child’s name by deed poll. This includes:

  • when you do and do not need a deed poll
  • how to make your own deed poll
  • the documents you must include when you apply to enrol a deed poll
  • the fee to enrol a deed poll
  • where to send your completed forms if applying by post
  • how you can apply online if you prefer

If the child was born in Scotland, you should follow the rules and guidance for changing your name in Scotland.

You must also complete:

If you apply online, you do not need to download the cover sheet. It will be emailed to you to print and complete after you have applied.

Complete an affidavit (statement) of best interest

You must include an ‘affidavit of best interest’ with the application. This is a statement demonstrating to the court that changing the child’s name is in their best interests.

As the parent, or person with parental responsibility, you must complete the affidavit and swear it is true in the presence of a person who is authorised to witness the signing of important legal documents. This might be:

  • a district or circuit judge
  • a barrister or solicitor
  • a commissioner for oaths
  • a magistrate
  • officers of the court who have been approved to administer oaths

This can be the same person who authorises the swearing to the truth of the statutory declaration.

There is no set format for this document, however you can find a suggested form (LOC023) alongside this guidance.

If you choose not to use the LOC023, your statement must include ‘I [your name and address] state on oath…’ followed by your statement. It must also still be sworn and signed before someone who can administer oaths.

All applications for change of a child’s name are referred to a judge for permission to enrol.

Exhibits to the affidavit of best interest

An exhibit is a document used in court as evidence. The court needs exhibits as proof of who your application says you and the child are.

Depending on your relationship status, you must include certain exhibits with your affidavit of best interest:

  • if you are widowed – include a photocopy of your partner’s death certificate
  • if you are divorced – include a photocopy of the final order or decree absolute of divorce or dissolution, with the consent of all those who are living that have parental responsibility

Each exhibit will need an exhibit cover sheet.

Other documents you may need

If your last name on the child’s birth certificate is not the same as your current last name, you must send us evidence of your change of name, for example a photocopy of your marriage certificate.

If you have a new partner whose surname is being taken, you must send us a letter from them saying that they agree to the child’s name change.

If the child changing their name is aged 16 or 17, they must also send us a letter in both names to say they agree to the name change. This letter must be signed by a witness.

Get help with a deed poll

If you need to ask a question about the child’s change of name, contact the Deed Poll Team at the King’s Bench Division.

Deed Poll Team
King’s Bench Division
Royal Court of Justice
Strand
London
WC2A 2LL

Telephone: 020 3936 8957 (option 6)
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Closed on bank holidays
Find out about call charges

Email: kbdeedspoll@justice.gov.uk
We aim to respond within 10 working days.

The email address is for queries only. You must not submit the deed poll forms by email.

You can also contact the Deed Poll Team if you have a query about an existing deed poll that is 5 years old or less.

If you have a query about a deed poll that is older than 5 years, contact The National Archives.

Back to top