A statutory declaration is a written statement that can be used to prove that you have knowledge of where there are no formal legal proceedings.In British Commonwealth countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, these declarations are used.You must sign your statutory declaration in front of a witness.You can submit your declaration to the organization that requested it after you have signed and witnessed it.
Step 1: You can find forms or templates.
The forms you can use for your statutory declaration are found in most government departments and agencies.To find out if a form is available, visit the website of the department or agency.If there is no specific form available on the attorney general's website, you can use generic forms.Specific forms are preferred by most agencies.A form may have been included with the written notice.
Step 2: List your occupation and full name.
Start your statement with your full legal name if no forms were available.Provide the address where you live.What do you do for a living?If you were able to find a form, there will be blanks for you to fill out.You should enter the same information on your government identification.If there is a blank on the form, include other information.
Step 3: "Do solemnly and sincerely declare" is the statement you should open with.
This statement opens a declaration.Use the pronoun "I" to make this statement.To begin your statement, place a colon at the end of the sentence.Depending on the circumstances under which you're writing it, your declaration may be used in court.It is against the law to lie in a statutory declaration.Penalties can include fines or prison time.
Step 4: You should state the facts in separate paragraphs.
Statutory declarations are written in numbered paragraphs.Only include one fact in each paragraph.All statements should be written in first-person.One fact would be the fact that you were asked to send something to someone else.Your answer would be a second fact.You should only write statements that you know to be true.The facts are relevant to the reason you're writing the affidavit.
Step 5: At the end of your declaration, create a signature block.
You will need space for both you and the person who witnesses your signature to sign and date the document after you've finished your declaration.Leave a space for the date and at least 4 lines for each signature.The signature blocks should be on the same page.To ensure that at least one or two lines of your declaration continue over to the page with the signature blocks, insert a page break if necessary.
Step 6: You should include any documents mentioned in your declaration.
You should include any documents that back up your assertions in your declaration.You should include any documents you mentioned in your declaration.You should include a copy of the notice that you received in your declaration.
Step 7: Who is authorized to witness your declaration?
Different countries allow different professionals to testify.A justice of the peace is usually authorized.Some countries allow additional professionals to be authorized.In Australia, you can have your statutory declaration witnessed by a police officer, bank manager, medical doctor, or dentist.The website of the organization or government agency that requested the statutory declaration will usually have a full list.To find someone who is authorized to witness your declaration, you may have to do some searching.You will usually have to pay a fee to the professional who witnesses your statutory declaration.The fee may be governed by statute, but will likely vary among professionals.
Step 8: You must sign each page of your declaration.
You can sign your declaration in the presence of your witness.Your witness must sign each page in most countries.This shows that the declaration is complete and that you've sworn to it.Signing each page prevents pages from being added that include facts you didn't agree to.If you have attached documents to your declaration, you may have to sign a certificate to show them.
Step 9: In front of your witness, make your oath.
You must make a verbal statement swearing that the facts you wrote in your declaration are correct to the best of your knowledge.The wording may be different.A copy of the wording is required for your witness.In Australia, you must say "I," followed by your full name and address, "declare that the contents of this declaration are true and correct."The document is an exhibit to the declaration.
Step 10: You must sign and date the last page of your declaration.
You'll sign and date in the signature block at the end of your declaration once you've made your oral oath.Your witness will sign and date the declaration as your witness.A statutory declaration can only be witnessed by a witness who has professional information and qualifications.They also have to affix a seal.
Step 11: Make a copy of your signed and witnessed declaration.
You need a copy of the signed declaration and any accompanying documents for your records before you send it to the organization.You usually store other legal documents in a safe place.
Step 12: Determine where to send your statutory declaration.
Instructions on how to submit your declaration can be provided by a written notice requesting the statutory declaration.The website of the organization that requested the declaration may have more information.Make sure you send your declaration to the right place.You may be asked to submit your declaration to another agency.
Step 13: Scan.
You can send your signed declaration and exhibits electronically.It could be sent through the agency's website or by email to a specific address.Instructions may be found if you received a notice requesting the declaration.The agency can be checked directly.
Step 14: The appropriate address is where you should send your statutory notice.
Electronic submission of statutory declarations is not accepted by some agencies.Once the document is complete, you'll be told where to mail it.If you don't know, contact the agency and ask for the address to mail the declaration.You will know when the agency received it if you mail it using a method that provides tracking and confirmation of receipt.You should keep your confirmation and receipt for your records.