Following Pride month, BCR Law LLP is partnering with Trans* Jersey in supporting the local transgender and non-binary community by offering to witness signatures on deed polls, which is a legal document that proves a change of name, free of charge.
A deed poll is a person’s legal contract where they agree to renounce their old name and adopt their new name. Any part of the name can be changed, such as adding or removing names and hyphens, or a change of spelling. The legal document in Jersey must be passed through the Royal Court.
Trans* Jersey is a team of LGBTQ+ practitioners and allies who support and provide primary care to the local trans and non-binary community. The organisation acts as an advice and referral service to any islander exploring their gender or seeking help to transition.
To ease the financial burden for those of the transgender and non-binary community wishing to legally change their name, BCR Law has partnered with Trans* Jersey to keep the cost of acquiring a deed poll to just the statutory cost of the court stamps, which is £60, as well as offering to witness signatures by one of its advocates or solicitors on the contract for no charge.
Managing Partner David Benest (pictured) commented: “At BCR Law, we aim to support the local community and make a difference in whatever way we can, no matter how small. Therefore, following Pride month, a cause that is close to my heart as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, we are proud to partner with Trans* Jersey in supporting the local transgender and non-binary community with their deed polls, which we hope will make the process as easy and financially affordable as possible.”
Vic Tanner Davy, CEO of Liberate Channel Islands said: “We are very grateful to BCR Law for its support of the deed poll service to our local transgender and non-binary community. This will bring huge relief to those of our community looking to legally change their name and recognise their true identity, which is such a momentous occasion. We sincerely appreciate BCR Law for helping make this happen.”