[missvee]

Hi Dawn. You don't say wether it is the Registrar that is charging you or the courts for the certified copies.
You need FULL birth and marriage certificates. 1 for each person. Then get lots of photocopies made of them.
I went to the magistrates court with copies of birth, marriage and passports and other official documents. You need evidence of your changes of name. Bring along your originals. The magistrate in my case stamped and signed all the copies, there was no limit and it cost me ?8.
What I would suggest because I am cheeky is ringing the registrar. Tell them your predicament, that you need a full one for each member and its for emmigration purposes. Ask if they can give you a reduced cost for the amount you need. You never know. I know official places can be sticklers but its worth a try.
I would also ring your magistrates court and speak to one of the Clerks. Ask when would be the best time to come down and how much it would be to have certified copies done.
The only reason I say this is because not many people in the court, knew the magistrates did this, it had to be before 10am, before court started. It was a lot of messing about but I was pleased because I got a lot done for ?8. This is how it works where I live, could be different near you but magistrates can do this. Lot cheaper than if the solicitor does it.
When you get your statutory declaration get copies done and ask your children's dad and the solicitor to sign them as well as the original. By the way, my solicitor had a copy of my child's dad's passport attatched to the consent, they signed and stamped that too as further evidence.
Hope this helps, Vee.