Need someone to countersign so I can swap homes but don't know anyone, what do I do?

user1977

Titus_Wadd said:

When we last moved our local sub-postmaster at the local post office signed our paperwork, maybe try a local corner shop or somewhere that "knows" you by sight would help out?

A normal witness doesn't need to "know" you at all, they could have literally just been introduced.

Also I think "family" here probably just means immediate household or others affected by the proposed move, I don't see why it would matter if the OP's sister witnessed.

DullGreyGuy

user1977 said:

Titus_Wadd said:

When we last moved our local sub-postmaster at the local post office signed our paperwork, maybe try a local corner shop or somewhere that "knows" you by sight would help out?

A normal witness doesn't need to "know" you at all, they could have literally just been introduced.

Also I think "family" here probably just means immediate household or others affected by the proposed move, I don't see why it would matter if the OP's sister witnessed.

This document is presumably a deed which is why the signature needs to be witnessed as there is no consideration involved which would be the safeguard against forgery in a simple contract. 

The law doesn't require the witness to be independent however many will want them to be independent. Were the OP to claim they never agreed to the swap and their signature has been forged the witness will be asked about who they saw sign it etc. Clearly if it's the OP's sister they may be motivated to give a false description and confirm that it's not the OP. 

It comes up occasionally with witnesses to wills where they're sort to try and establish if the deceased really did sign the new will or someone's created a fake will.

user1977

DullGreyGuy said:

user1977 said:

Titus_Wadd said:

When we last moved our local sub-postmaster at the local post office signed our paperwork, maybe try a local corner shop or somewhere that "knows" you by sight would help out?

A normal witness doesn't need to "know" you at all, they could have literally just been introduced.

Also I think "family" here probably just means immediate household or others affected by the proposed move, I don't see why it would matter if the OP's sister witnessed.

The law doesn't require the witness to be independent however many will want them to be independent. Were the OP to claim they never agreed to the swap and their signature has been forged the witness will be asked about who they saw sign it etc. Clearly if it's the OP's sister they may be motivated to give a false description and confirm that it's not the OP. 

It comes up occasionally with witnesses to wills where they're sort to try and establish if the deceased really did sign the new will or someone's created a fake will.

It's fine for it to be somebody on the same "side" as the signatory - a friend would be perfectly normal and acceptable as a witness. Best to avoid relatives in Wills though as obviously there may be potential for them to be a beneficiary.

Vickypollard69

DullGreyGuy said:

Vickypollard69 said:

 (I'm fairly new here and haven't kept in touch with my old ones)

Surely this is a good time to reach out to your old friends then both so you still have human contact and have someone to do this

Meh, they're utter scumbags which is why I got away from them. Before leaving I told them what I thought of them after they did something pretty disgusting so yeah, doubt it lol. I definitely won't be relying solely on my future partner like I did with my ex though, I need to make friends if/when I move 😂

Vickypollard69

Titus_Wadd said:

When we last moved our local sub-postmaster at the local post office signed our paperwork, maybe try a local corner shop or somewhere that "knows" you by sight would help out?

I suffer with social anxiety but something this important, that might positively improve your life makes it worth taking a risk.  They could say no but I hope you find someone helpful.  Good luck.

I honestly don't go to the local corner shop as its smelly, overpriced and has nothing haha, doubt the staff at Tescos would recognise me or do it anyway.

Vickypollard69

user1977 said:

Titus_Wadd said:

When we last moved our local sub-postmaster at the local post office signed our paperwork, maybe try a local corner shop or somewhere that "knows" you by sight would help out?

A normal witness doesn't need to "know" you at all, they could have literally just been introduced.

Also I think "family" here probably just means immediate household or others affected by the proposed move, I don't see why it would matter if the OP's sister witnessed.

Just says family, but how would they know who my sister is? Or my nan for that matter. It'd be obvious that my mother for example is family as we have the same surname. And I mean are they actually gonna check this person out or do they just want a name and an email address? Because thar can easily be done.

theoretica

Does the housing association have offices you can get to, or anyone physically in the area? 

I second the suggestion of the post office - they offer a document certification service (at a charge of 12.75 though) so this seems fairly similar.

Or maybe ask in an estate agent if there is one local - because they are likely to be comfortable with documents.  If you don't want to walk through the door and ask, you could email in advance.

Vickypollard69

theoretica said:

Does the housing association have offices you can get to, or anyone physically in the area? 

I second the suggestion of the post office - they offer a document certification service (at a charge of 12.75 though) so this seems fairly similar.

Or maybe ask in an estate agent if there is one local - because they are likely to be comfortable with documents.  If you don't want to walk through the door and ask, you could email in advance.

Not sure, I know the main office is miles away though. Like halfway down the country. Yeah I'm sure I'll find someone to do it, I'm just really worried haha. Really should have made friends here instead of spending all my time with my now ex-partner 😂.

400ixl

What about a neighbour of a family member who may know you?

It could be a good excuse to go and introduce yourself to the neighbours you don't know yet.

subjecttocontract

In my lifetime I've needed to have many documents signed/witnessed et c and I've used......neighbours, work collegues, solicitor, bank officials, my local church and on one occasion a church I had never previously been to, my local store owner etc, etc. I'm sure there are literally hundreds of people/ occupations who could and would sign it if only you were to ask them......and if a stranger turned up on my doorstep and asked I would sign it for them. It's really no big deal.