Affidavit Self Declaration Template for England and Wales

An Affidavit Self Declaration is a formal sworn statement that provides written evidence for legal proceedings and official matters in England and Wales. When you make this declaration, you are legally confirming that the facts stated are true to the best of your knowledge and belief. This document carries the same legal weight as oral testimony given under oath in court, making accuracy and truthfulness essential.

When do you need this document?

You will typically need an Affidavit Self Declaration when courts or official bodies require formal evidence that cannot be provided through other means. Common situations include providing evidence of identity or residence for immigration applications, confirming financial circumstances for legal aid applications, or establishing facts about property ownership or family relationships. The document is also frequently required in probate matters when proving relationships to deceased persons, or in civil litigation when witness testimony needs to be presented in written form. Insurance companies may request affidavits to support claims, and government agencies often require them for various administrative processes.

Key legal considerations

The most critical aspect of any affidavit is its truthfulness, as making false statements constitutes perjury under the Perjury Act 1911, which can result in imprisonment for up to seven years. Your declaration must be based on personal knowledge rather than hearsay or speculation, and you should clearly distinguish between facts you know directly and information you believe to be true. The document must be properly structured with numbered paragraphs for clarity and include a formal jurat clause confirming the oath was administered. You must sign the affidavit in the presence of an authorized person such as a solicitor, Commissioner for Oaths, or court official who will also sign to authenticate the document. Any amendments must be initialed by both you and the authenticating official.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

Under English and Welsh law, affidavits must comply with Civil Procedure Rules Part 32, which sets out specific formatting and content requirements. The document must be written in the first person and include your full name, address, and occupation in the opening paragraph. Each factual statement should be in a separate numbered paragraph, and the affidavit must conclude with a formal statement confirming the truth of its contents. The Civil Evidence Act 1995 governs how affidavits are used as evidence in civil proceedings, while the Commissioners for Oaths Act 1889 establishes who can administer the oath. The Statutory Declarations Act 1835 provides the historical framework that still underlies modern practice. Your affidavit must be sworn or affirmed before someone with proper authority, and they must complete a jurat clause stating when, where, and before whom the oath was taken.