Affidavit.

In simple terms, an affidavit is a written statement which someone has sworn to be true. This written statement is an oath from a person that their knowledge of a situation is honest.

In a circumstance where someone knowingly makes a false statement, they can be imprisoned or fined for perjury. However, an individual cannot be punished for failing to document information they were not aware of at the time.

An affidavit is commonly required in court cases. Typical examples of when an affidavit is required include:

1. Debt recovery cases. For example, in circumstances that have led to an individual acquiring the debt and why it is still outstanding.
2. Divorce proceedings. For example, when both parties mutually agree to dissolve the marriage.
3. Property disputes. For example, a dispute involving land or property between two parties.

If you need help with an affidavit, please contact us on 020 3007 5500.

In short, yes.

Although it can seem simple to create your own affidavit, it’s always advised to use a solicitor to avoid easy but costly mistakes. Common mistakes when individuals attempt to draft their own affidavit include:

• Spelling mistakes
• Including information with regards to beliefs or views.
• Including irrelevant information

It is crucial when drafting an affidavit that your account of the facts/events detail exactly what happened. If your affidavit includes false remarks, you may be prosecuted.

Here at Britton and Time, we can help with any aspect of an affidavit, whether you need an affidavit drafted, certified, or both.

If you have completed an affidavit yourself, then you will need the document to be signed in the presence of a solicitor. The solicitor will witness the signing and ask whether you want to swear or affirm your affidavit. Depending on which option you chose, the solicitor will direct you about what to say in order to make the oath or affirmation.

What’s the difference between an oath and affirmation?

Put simply, the difference between an oath and an affirmation is that the oath is a religious commitment where as an affirmation is non-religious.

After you have selected to either take an oath or affirm your evidence is true the solicitor will write their name, address and qualifications underneath their signature on the final page of the affidavit. In addition to this, the solicitor will sign every page of the affidavit at the bottom of the page.

Britton and Time Solicitors can help with all aspects of an affidavit. However, the price varies depending on whether you want your affidavit drafted or signed and witnessed. The prices are as follows:

• Drafting of an affidavit: For the drafting, we would ask clients to come in for an initial consultation to discuss what needs to be included within the statement. The cost of an initial consultation is £200 plus VAT. You can expect as a minimum that the cost of drafting an affidavit is £750 plus VAT (£900).

• Signed/witnessing of an affidavit: We charge a fixed fee of £50 plus VAT (£60) for the signed/witnessing of an affidavit.

If you need help with an affidavit, please contact us on 020 3007 5500.