Affidavit Of Authorisation Template for England and Wales

An Affidavit Of Authorisation is a sworn legal document that formally evidences your authority to grant another party the right to act on your behalf. Under England and Wales law, this document serves as irrefutable proof of your intention to delegate specific powers or responsibilities to an authorized person or entity. The affidavit carries significant legal weight because it is made under oath before a qualified witness.

When do you need this document?

You need an Affidavit Of Authorisation when formal, sworn evidence of authority is required for legal or business purposes. This typically occurs in court proceedings where you must prove someone has authority to represent you, property transactions requiring delegation of signing powers, or significant business dealings where third parties need assurance of proper authorization. The document is particularly valuable when the stakes are high and verbal or informal written authorization is insufficient to protect all parties' interests.

Key legal considerations

The authorization statement must be clear, specific, and unambiguous about the scope of authority being granted. You should carefully define any temporal limitations or restrictions on the authorized person's powers to prevent potential misuse. The declaration of truth section is legally binding, making you liable for perjury if the contents are false. Consider including safeguards such as notification requirements or revocation procedures to maintain control over the authorization. The document should specify whether the authority is limited to specific transactions or general in nature, as this affects both your liability and the authorized party's ability to act.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

Under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835 and Civil Procedure Rules Part 32, your affidavit must be witnessed by a Commissioner for Oaths or authorized solicitor who can administer oaths. The document must include your full name, address, and occupation as the deponent. The witness must sign and provide their qualification details, ensuring proper authentication. The affidavit must be formatted according to Practice Direction 32 requirements, including appropriate court references if intended for litigation use. Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR compliance is essential when personal information is included, particularly regarding storage and sharing of the sworn document.