Definition

Noun: A deed poll is a legal document that is made, signed, and executed by only one party. It is used to formally and publicly declare a unilateral act, such as a change of name. Unlike a deed that requires agreement between two or more parties (an "indenture"), a deed poll binds only the person who makes it.

Usage

A deed poll is used to make a formal, legally recognized declaration of a personal decision. Its primary use is to officially change a person's name.

Examples: * She obtained a deed poll to change her surname after the marriage. * To update your passport, you will need to provide a copy of your deed poll. * The court recognized the deed poll as evidence of his new legal identity.

Advanced Usage

• "To execute a deed poll": This is the formal phrase for the act of properly signing and finalizing the document, often in the presence of a witness.
  • He executed a deed poll to formally renounce his title.

Variants and Related Words

• Deed (noun): A written legal document that is signed, witnessed, and delivered, especially one concerning the ownership of property or a legal right.
• Indenture (noun): A formal legal agreement, contract, or document, especially one executed in two or more copies.

Synonyms

• Name change document
• Unilateral deed
• Legal declaration

Related Phrases

• Enrolled deed poll: A deed poll that has been officially registered and recorded in a public registry, such as the Royal Courts of Justice in England, for an extra layer of formality and public record.

Noun

1. a deed made and executed by only one party