Single Status Affidavit Template for New Zealand

A Single Status Affidavit is a sworn declaration that formally confirms your unmarried status under New Zealand law. This legal document serves as official proof that you are legally free to marry and have no existing marital commitments that would prevent you from entering into a new marriage or civil union.

When do you need this document?

You'll typically need a Single Status Affidavit when planning to marry overseas, as many countries require foreign nationals to provide proof of their legal capacity to marry. Immigration authorities often request this document during visa applications, particularly for partner or spouse visas. The affidavit is also required by some international adoption agencies, when establishing residency in certain countries, or during complex legal proceedings involving cross-border family matters. New Zealand embassies and consulates may require this document before performing marriage ceremonies abroad.

Key legal considerations

Your Single Status Affidavit must include specific declarations about your current marital status and any previous marriages or civil unions. You must explicitly state that you are not currently married, in a civil union, or in a de facto relationship that would legally prevent you from marrying. If you were previously married, you must declare that any prior marriages have been legally dissolved through divorce or annulment, and provide relevant decree details. The document requires your full legal name, current address, occupation, and date of birth, along with valid identification details such as passport or driver's license numbers. False declarations in an affidavit constitute perjury under New Zealand law and can result in serious criminal penalties including imprisonment.

Legal requirements in New Zealand

Under the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957, your Single Status Affidavit must be sworn before an authorized witness such as a Justice of the Peace, solicitor, or registrar. The Marriage Act 1955 and Civil Union Act 2004 define the legal requirements for marriage capacity, which your affidavit must address. If you're using the document internationally, it typically requires apostille certification from the Department of Internal Affairs to verify its authenticity under the Hague Convention. The Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 1995 governs how relationship status is verified, and you may need to provide supporting documentation such as divorce decrees or death certificates if applicable. Some countries may require the affidavit to be notarized by a Notary Public in addition to being sworn, particularly for use in non-Hague Convention countries.