Affidavit of Change of Name in Nigeria
Introduction An Affidavit of Change of Name is a formal legal document sworn under oath in a High Court of Justice, declaring an individual's intention to abandon their previous name and adopt a new one. This document serves as the primary legal instrument for effecting a name change in Nigeria and is recognized by all official bodies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, banks, and educational institutions. Why is this Affidavit Necessary? There are several reasons why an individual may need to swear this affidavit. The most common scenario is marriage, where a spouse chooses to adopt their partner's surname. However, it is also frequently used for religious reasons (e.g., converting to a new faith and adopting a corresponding name), cultural realignment, or simply a personal preference to dissociate from a former identity. Without this affidavit, government databases and financial records cannot be updated to reflect the new identity. Legal Implications and Process Once this affidavit is sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths, it becomes a public record. To complete the process legally in Nigeria, it is often required to publish the change of name in a national newspaper to notify the general public. This affidavit acts as the foundation for that publication. It binds the deponent to the new name for all future transactions, legal contracts, and official identification documents, ensuring that there is a clear legal trail connecting the old identity to the new one.
Preview ←Affidavit of Change of Signature in Nigeria
Introduction An Affidavit of Change of Signature is used when an individual deliberately decides to stop using their old signature and adopt a new one. This is different from signature verification (where the signature is just messy); this is a total overhaul of the signing style. Reasons for Change People change signatures for security reasons (if they feel their old one is too easy to forge), for simplicity (moving from a complex script to a simple mark), or due to a change in name (e.g., after marriage, ensuring the signature matches the new surname). Corporate executives often use this when their signing authority status changes. Procedure The affidavit must display two distinct sections: one for the "Old Specimen Signature" and one for the "New Specimen Signature." This provides a clear visual comparison for authorities. Once this is sworn and submitted to banks or the passport office, the institution will void the old signature card and replace it with the new one. Any document signed with the old signature after the date of this affidavit may be considered invalid.
Preview ←Affidavit of Child Custody in Nigeria
An Affidavit of Child Custody is a legal document used to assert that a parent or guardian has physical and/or legal custody of a child. In Nigeria, while final custody orders are granted by a court of law (usually a Family Court or High Court), this affidavit serves as an interim or supplementary proof of custody in non-litigious situations. It is essentially a sworn statement by a parent declaring that the child lives with them and that they are responsible for the child's welfare. Common Uses This affidavit is frequently required for administrative purposes. For example, if a single parent wishes to register a child in school, obtain a medical procedure for the child, or apply for the child's international passport without the other parent present, authorities may request this affidavit. It is particularly common when parents are separated but not legally divorced, and one parent needs to prove they have the primary care of the child to third parties like visa officers or school principals. Distinction from Court Orders It is crucial to understand that an affidavit does not override a Court Order. If a court has granted custody to the father, the mother cannot use an affidavit to claim custody legally. However, in the absence of a court order (e.g., in amicable separations or cases where the other parent is absent/deceased), this affidavit acts as the de facto proof of guardianship and control. Required Declarations The deponent must state their relationship to the child (mother, father, or guardian), the child's name and age, and the fact that the child resides with them. It typically includes a clause accepting full financial and moral responsibility for the child's upbringing. If the other parent is alive but absent, the affidavit may state that the other parent is aware of this arrangement or is currently unavailable.
Preview ←Affidavit of Citizenship
An Affidavit of Citizenship is a sworn statement declaring an individual's citizenship status. It is often required when a US birth certificate is unavailable, or when a person born abroad claims citizenship through US parents (derived citizenship). It may be used for passport applications, federal employment, or obtaining government benefits. The affiant must detail the basis of their claim, such as birth location or naturalization details.
Preview ←Affidavit of Compound Name in Nigeria
Introduction The Affidavit of Compound Name is a specialized legal instrument used when an individual wishes to combine two surnames or add a middle name to their surname to form a double-barrelled name (e.g., changing from 'Ngozi Adebayo' to 'Ngozi Okonjo-Adebayo'). This is distinct from a simple change of name because it focuses on the preservation of a lineage or a maiden name alongside a marital name. Significance This affidavit is popular among professional women who wish to retain their maiden name for career continuity while acknowledging their marital status. It is also used by families wishing to preserve a historic family name by compounding it with their current surname. The affidavit serves as legal authority for the hyphenation or combination of names. Requirements Like other name-related affidavits, this document must be sworn in a High Court. It must clearly state the previous simple name and the new compound name. Once sworn, this affidavit allows the deponent to update their passport, driver's license, and bank details to reflect the compound format. It is a critical document for avoiding confusion regarding the deponent's identity in professional and legal circles.
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