Affidavits: What You Need to Know & How We Can Help
What is an Affidavit and When Might You Need One
If someone asks, “What exactly is an affidavit?”, here’s a clear answer: an affidavit is a written statement of fact, which you swear (or solemnly affirm) is true, signed in front of a legally authorised person (such as a solicitor, notary public, or Commissioner for Oaths). It is used as evidence in legal or administrative proceedings.
You might need an affidavit in situations such as:
- When involved in court proceedings (civil, family, probate, property disputes) where facts must be formally attested.
- For immigration, consular or embassy purposes where authorities require sworn statements.
- When handling inheritance / probate matters and there are disputes or when someone needs to give evidence about what has happened.
- Situations where someone cannot appear in court, but a sworn statement is required to proceed.
How Affidavits Work under UK Law: The Legal Basics
To ensure an affidavit is valid, certain legal requirements must be met. Jonathan Lea Network ensures all of these are handled correctly.
Common Concerns Clients Have (and How We Address Them)
When someone contacts us about affidavits, often these are the fears, goals, and questions behind their need:
- Fear their affidavit will be rejected or not accepted
We check ahead with the court or authority to know their exact rules (format, exhibits, witness requirements). We draft accordingly to avoid rejection.
- Concern about legal liability or perjury
You might worry, “What if I include something wrong, or I don’t know some fact precisely.” We guide you to only include what you truthfully know or make very clear where something is belief. We ensure you understand the consequences of false statements under law.
- Goal to produce an affidavit quickly
Many clients have deadlines (court dates, immigration, financial deadlines). Our team is used to turning around affidavits swiftly once all material is available, so you meet such deadlines.
- Worried about cost spiralling
We offer fixed-fee estimates based on complexity (number of exhibits, urgency, whether overseas use, etc.). There are no hidden charges.
- Unclear on the difference between affidavit and other documents (witness statement, statutory declaration)
We explain clearly, help you choose whether an affidavit is truly needed, or whether an alternative is acceptable.
How Jonathan Lea Network Handles Affidavits: Our Process & Why We’re Different
We believe clients should feel confident, informed and supported throughout. Here’s how we work, and what sets us apart.
Our Process: Step by Step
- Initial Review & Consultation
We talk with you (in person, by phone, or via video call) to understand why you need the affidavit. We clarify who will receive it, whether it must be used in court or abroad, what facts need to be included, any exhibits needed.
- Drafting the Affidavit
Our solicitors (experts in litigation, probate, immigration etc.) prepare a draft that meets all legal standards: correct format, clear paragraphs, correct jurat, exhibits properly referenced.
- Your Review & Amendments
We send you the draft, explain the legal terminology or implications, and work with you to correct, clarify, add or remove as needed.
- Swearing or Affirming in Front of an Authorised Person
We arrange for the affidavit to be sworn or affirmed before a solicitor, notary public or Commissioner for Oaths. If the case demands an independent witness, we arrange that.
- Certification & Delivery
Once executed, we return the original to you (or lodge/serve it if required), provide certified copies if needed, and offer guidance on storage and how to use it (court, abroad etc.)
What Makes Jonathan Lea Network Stand Out
- Teamwork and Expert Legal Support: Our solicitors work together so that expertise is shared. Whether your matter involves family, probate, immigration, or civil litigation, we bring in those with the strongest relevant experience.
- Value for Money: We use fixed fees wherever possible. You’ll be told the cost up front, what is included, and what might add to cost (e.g. extra exhibits, long statements, urgency, overseas use).
- Communication in Plain English: Legal documents are often full of complex language. We ensure you understand every sentence, before you swear. We explain implications, possible risks, and ensure your comfort.
- Reliability & Speed: We know delays can be stressful. Our standard service aims to produce a valid affidavit in the shortest reasonable time once all facts and documents are available.
What Does an Affidavit Include: Format & Key Parts
To be accepted, there is a typical structure or format. Jonathan Lea Network ensures your affidavit has all necessary parts.
- Title / Heading identifying the affidavit, what case or purpose it relates to.
- Deponent’s Details – full name, address, occupation, age etc.
- Statement of Truth – confirming that the affidavit is made under oath or affirmation.
- Body with Numbered Paragraphs – each paragraph dealing with a distinct fact. No rambling, no mixed facts in one paragraph.
- Exhibits – if you rely on documents, photos etc, attach them, number them, refer them in the text.
- Jurat / Footer – includes the place, date, name of person before whom sworn/affirmed, their capacity.
- Signature of Deponent & Witness – signed in front of the authorised person, who also signs, dates and adds credentials.
Uses & Scenarios: Where Affidavits are Needed
Understanding typical use-cases helps you see whether you need one. We regularly handle affidavits for:
- Divorce or family law disputes where facts like financial circumstances or arrangements need to be attested.
- Property disputes: establishing ownership, rights, transfers, boundaries or evidence of past use.
- Probate & inheritance claims: where wills, assets or claims are contested, or facts need to be established (e.g. genealogy, last known address, identity of heirs).
- Immigration, nationality or visa applications (for example proof of identity, relationships, absence/presence of documents).
- Debt recovery, business disputes, or financial litigation.
Costs & Typical Timelines
We do not offer standard costs for Affidavits as each request is unique, but we keep our costs as low as possible.
Fixed fee or fee estimate: Before starting, we provide you with an estimate based on how many pages, exhibits, whether overseas use or notarisation is needed, how soon you need it.
Standard timeline: Once you have provided all facts, documents and instructed us, most straightforward affidavits can be ready in 1-2 working days. If urgent we may be faster, subject to availability.
Extra factors to consider:
-
- Number and complexity of exhibits;
- Whether the document needs to be used outside the UK and requires notarisation, apostille or legalisation;
- Whether witness must be independent;
- Any court deadlines or expedited service requirements.
- Number and complexity of exhibits;
Risks of Getting It Wrong (and How to Avoid Them)
- Incorrect format, missing jurat or witness details → affidavit can be rejected. We always double‐check these details.
- Including assumptions or hearsay without clarifying → undermines credibility; perhaps leads to challenge or disallowance. We guide you to stick to facts or clearly distinguish belief.
- Using a solicitor who has conflict of interest or is not independent in litigation scenarios → might be invalid under rules. We ensure independence as required.
- Delaying in providing documents or allowing time for review → may miss deadlines. We work proactively to avoid delay.
Contact Us
If you need an affidavit drafted, sworn or properly attested, don’t risk delays or rejection. At Jonathan Lea Network we combine legal precision, expert advice and personal support. Contact us today to discuss your case, get a fixed-fee quote, and let us take care of the formalities so you can focus on what matters. Book your consultation now or call us—let’s prepare your affidavit the right way.
Call us at +44 (0)1444 708 640
Email: wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net
Or book an appointment via our website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Can I draft my own affidavit without a solicitor and then just get it witnessed?
-
Yes, it is possible to draft your own statement of facts, but using a solicitor ensures that the wording, format and references meet legal requirements and avoid errors. If you do draft it yourself, have us review it, before you swear it, to check that it will be accepted by the relevant authority.
-
Do I always have to swear on a religious text, or can I affirm?
-
You can affirm if you prefer a non-religious version. Both sworn oaths and affirmations have the same legal effect. We’ll help you choose what is appropriate given your beliefs or what the receiving authority allows.
-
What if the authority wants an apostille or legalisation for overseas use?
-
If the affidavit is to be used abroad, often you will need the document notarised (if not already by a notary public), then legalised by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (or equivalent) via an apostille. We can help you with that process and ensure the affidavit meets foreign jurisdiction standards.
-
Can an affidavit be filed electronically or remotely?
-
Some courts or institutions accept digital submissions, but many still require original signed documents. Video conferencing for witnessing is sometimes allowed, but only if the receiving authority and rules permit it and if identity verification is correct. We will tell you whether your case allows remote witnessing or electronic filing.
-
What if new facts emerge after I’ve sworn the affidavit?
-
If new details come to light, sometimes a supplementary affidavit can be drafted, or a new affidavit entirely, to reflect the changed situation. It is better not to try to amend one already sworn. We’ll guide you on making changes properly.
What Our Clients Say
Request a Free
No Obligation
20 Minute Call
This introductory call is to discuss your matter so we can provide a well-considered quote.
However, please be aware that the free 20 minute call is at our discretion. If you are more looking for advice and guidance on an initial call, we may instead offer a one-hour fixed fee appointment instead.
Our fixed fee appointments are between £200 – £300 + 20% VAT (£240 – £360 inclusive of VAT) depending on the seniority of the solicitor taking the call.