Affidavit Of Relationship Template for the United States

An Affidavit of Relationship is a sworn statement in which one person confirms, in writing and under oath, that a relationship exists between two people. It reads much like a formal letter of proof: you set out who you are, who the other person is, how long you have known each other, and how you know the facts you are describing. Authorities ask for it when they need reliable evidence of a family, personal, or friendship connection, and it carries weight because you sign it under penalty of perjury.

What is an affidavit of relationship?

It is a signed, notarized document that puts a relationship on the record. The person making the statement is called the affiant. Common examples include a spouse confirming a marriage, a parent confirming a child, a partner confirming a domestic relationship, or a friend confirming that they know a couple or an individual well. In that last case people often ask for a supporting letter from a friend, and an affidavit is the sworn version of that letter. A relationship affidavit is sometimes filed alongside an affidavit of support, where one party takes financial responsibility for another, so it helps to know which document each agency actually needs.

What does an affidavit of relationship sample look like?

A typical sample opens with a heading naming the state and county, followed by the affiant's statement. A short example reads: "I, Jane Doe, residing at 12 Oak Street, confirm that I have known John and Maria Smith since June 2016. We have lived together as neighbors, attended family events together, and I have personal knowledge that they are married." The document then adds the verification line ("I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct"), the date, the signature, and the notary block. You can start from the template above and adjust the names, dates, and facts to match your own situation.

When do you need this document?

You'll need an Affidavit of Relationship in various legal and administrative situations. Immigration proceedings frequently require these affidavits to prove a real, genuine family relationship for visa applications, green card petitions, or naturalization cases filed with USCIS. A friend or family member who knows a couple well is often the person asked to sign. Insurance companies may request them to add beneficiaries or dependents to policies. Probate, custody, or inheritance matters often call for sworn testimony about family ties. Government benefit applications for social security, veterans' benefits, or healthcare programs may also require formal relationship documentation. You might also need this document for name changes, adoption proceedings, or when establishing guardianship rights.

What should an affidavit of relationship include?

To be accepted, the document should set out each of the following clearly:

• The affiant's details: full legal name, home address, and other identifying information for the person signing.
• The other person's details: the full name and identifying information of the person the affidavit is about.
• The nature and status of the relationship: the specific type of relationship (spouse, family member, partner, friend), the current status, and how long you have known the person.
• Supporting facts: concrete details that show how you know what you are attesting to, drawn from your own knowledge. Where a relationship rests on a documented event, a birth certificate or marriage certificate can back up the statement, and some agencies accept photos or records of time spent together as further support.
• The verification statement: a line confirming the information is true and correct under penalty of perjury.
• Signature and notarization: your signature, the date, and, where the state requires it, a notary public's acknowledgment with the notary stamp and signature.

Do you need a notary?

It depends on the state and on who will read the affidavit. Some states and agencies accept an unsworn declaration signed under penalty of perjury per 28 U.S.C. 1746. Others require the affiant to sign in front of a notary public, who then adds a stamp and signature to confirm your identity and that you signed willingly. Because the requirement differs, check what the agency receiving the document asks for before you sign. When notarization is required, do not sign the affidavit until you are in front of the notary.

Key legal considerations

Your affidavit must include specific elements to be valid and admissible. It needs your full legal name, home address, and identifying information as the affiant. You should describe the relationship clearly, including how long you've known the person, the type of relationship, and detailed facts supporting your knowledge. The verification statement confirms that all information is true and correct under penalty of perjury. The information provided must be accurate: providing false information in a sworn affidavit is perjury, a criminal offense that can result in fines and imprisonment. Include only facts within your personal knowledge, and avoid speculation or hearsay. Supporting documentation such as a birth certificate, while not always required, strengthens the affidavit's credibility.

Legal requirements in the United States

Federal law governs these affidavits through 28 U.S.C. 1746, which allows unsworn declarations under penalty of perjury in federal matters. For immigration, the Immigration and Nationality Act sets requirements for relationship documentation. State practice varies: some states require a notarial acknowledgment while others accept unsworn declarations, so you should execute the affidavit under the laws of the state where you sign. Most states require the affiant to be at least 18 and of sound mind. Make sure the form meets the content requirements of the agency where you'll use it, since non-compliance can lead to rejection.

Where can I find help and resources for completing it?

Start from the template on this page, then confirm the specific form and submission details with the agency requesting the affidavit, as their instructions and any filing deadlines govern. For immigration cases, the official USCIS website is the authoritative place to search for the current form, contact information, and the service or filing requirements that apply in 2026. Many agencies publish a checklist of accepted proof, which can include letters, photos, and records of time living together.

Common questions about affidavits of relationship

Two questions come up often. First, can a friend write one? Yes. A friend or family member with direct, personal knowledge can serve as the affiant, which is common in immigration cases where a friend confirms that a relationship is genuine. Second, how is it different from a support letter? A support letter is an informal account, while an affidavit is the same information sworn under penalty of perjury and, where required, notarized, so agencies treat it as stronger evidence. If you're unsure which document fits your situation, adjust the template above to match your relationship and the agency you're filing with.