Documents prepared to the standard authorities expect
Alongside our main practice areas, we regularly prepare standalone legal documents for individuals and businesses — from a power of attorney to a certified legalisation for use overseas. Each is drafted with the specific authority or institution it will be used for in mind, so it's accepted first time wherever possible.
6 documents we prepare regularly
Powers of Attorney
Lasting and ordinary powers of attorney, drafted to reflect what you actually want your attorney to be able to do.
- Lasting Powers of Attorney (property & financial affairs, health & welfare)
- Ordinary powers of attorney for specific matters
- Advice on choosing attorneys and registration with the Office of the Public Guardian
Change of Name Deed
A change of name deed prepared for use with the passport office, banks, employers and other official bodies.
- Change of name deeds for adults and children
- Enrolment with the Royal Courts of Justice where required
- Advice on updating passports, banks and other records afterwards
Affidavits
Affidavits drafted and sworn for use in court proceedings or for official purposes, in the form the receiving body requires.
- Drafting affidavits for court or official use
- Swearing or affirming before a solicitor or commissioner for oaths
- Advice on the supporting documents to exhibit
Sponsorship Declarations
Declarations of financial support for visa applications, drafted to say what the Home Office needs to see.
- Declarations of support for visitor and family visa applications
- Drafting and reviewing the declaration and supporting evidence
- Advice on what the Home Office expects to see alongside it
Accommodation Reports
Accommodation reports confirming a property meets the Home Office's requirements for an immigration application.
- Reports prepared for spouse, fiancé and family visa applications
- Coordinating the relevant property inspection where needed
- Advice on overcrowding and suitability requirements
Legalisation of Documents
Legalisation of UK documents for use overseas, including notarisation and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) apostille where required.
- Notarisation of documents by a notary public
- FCDO apostille applications
- Coordination with embassies where further authentication is needed
How we work with you
Initial consultation
Tell us what the document is for, and we'll confirm exactly which document you need and what it must contain.
Confirming requirements
We'll explain what information, ID and supporting evidence you need to provide, and confirm the fee in writing before we start.
Preparing and signing
We draft the document, check it with you, and arrange any witnessing, swearing or notarisation it requires.
Ready to use
You receive the finished document, ready for the authority or institution it's intended for.
We also prepare — frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a lasting power of attorney and an ordinary power of attorney?
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) continues to be valid if you later lose mental capacity, and must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. An ordinary power of attorney is intended for a specific, usually time-limited, purpose — for example while you're abroad — and ends if you lose capacity. We'll help you choose the right one.
Can you help with documents that will be used overseas?
Yes — through our legalisation service, including notarisation, FCDO apostille and coordination with embassies where further authentication is required.
Do I need to come into the office to sign?
For most documents, yes — witnessing, swearing or notarisation generally needs to happen in person, and we'll arrange that as part of the process. Let us know if this is difficult and we'll discuss options.
What does this cost?
Fees depend on the document and any additional steps (registration, apostille, embassy fees). We'll agree a fixed quote in writing before any work begins — ask us for an estimate for your specific document.