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An affidavit is a written statement of facts that you swear or affirm is true in front of an authorized person like a lawyer or Justice of the Peace. It's one of the most common legal documents used in New Zealand courts and government processes, carrying the same weight as giving evidence under oath.

Courts rely on affidavits during civil cases, family proceedings, and immigration matters. Making false statements in an affidavit is perjury under NZ law - a serious offense that can lead to criminal charges. Each affidavit must be properly witnessed, dated, and include a statement confirming the truth of its contents before it becomes legally valid.

You need an affidavit when providing formal evidence to New Zealand courts or government agencies. Common situations include supporting visa applications, proving your identity for name changes, verifying financial circumstances in family court matters, or presenting evidence in civil disputes where you can't appear in person.

Use affidavits to document important facts in property settlements, bankruptcy proceedings, and estate matters. They're essential when seeking urgent court orders, like restraining orders or emergency custody arrangements. Having your statement properly sworn and witnessed adds legal weight to your claims and helps courts make informed decisions based on verified information.

• Affidavit Of Support: Used in immigration cases to prove financial ability to support visa applicants
• Guardianship Affidavit Form: Documents legal authority over minors for school, medical, or travel purposes
• Affidavit Of One And The Same Person: Confirms multiple names refer to the same individual, common for marriage or legal name changes
• Affidavit Of Loss Form: Declares the loss of important documents, certificates, or property
• Travel Permission Letter For Minor: Authorizes a child's international travel with non-guardian adults

• Individuals: People swearing statements for court cases, visa applications, name changes, or property matters
• Legal Professionals: Lawyers and solicitors who draft, review, and witness affidavits for their clients
• Justices of the Peace: Authorized witnesses who verify identities and watch people sign affidavits
• Court Officials: Judges and registrars who rely on affidavits as sworn evidence in legal proceedings
• Government Agencies: Immigration NZ, LINZ, and other departments that require affidavits for official processes
• Business Owners: Company directors and managers needing sworn statements for commercial disputes or regulatory compliance

• Gather Facts: Write down all relevant dates, names, and events in chronological order before starting
• Personal Details: Collect full legal names, addresses, and occupation details of everyone mentioned
• Supporting Documents: Compile any referenced documents, photos, or evidence to attach as exhibits
• Draft Structure: Use our platform to generate a legally compliant affidavit template specific to your situation
• Clear Language: State facts simply and directly, avoiding opinions or irrelevant information
• Witness Arrangements: Book an appointment with a JP or lawyer to witness your signature
• Final Check: Review all statements for accuracy - you're swearing these facts are true

• Title: Clear heading stating "Affidavit" and the matter it relates to
• Deponent Details: Full legal name, occupation, and residential address
• Jurisdiction Statement: Specify the court or authority the affidavit is prepared for
• Numbered Paragraphs: Each fact or statement in separate, sequential paragraphs
• Jurat: Place, date, and authorized person's details where oath was taken
• Exhibits: Referenced documents marked alphabetically and properly attached
• Oath Statement: Declaration that contents are true and correct to best of knowledge
• Signatures: Deponent's signature on each page and full signature with witness

An affidavit differs significantly from an Acknowledgement Form, though both are formal legal documents. The key distinctions lie in their purpose, legal weight, and how they're executed.

• Legal Weight: Affidavits are sworn statements that carry the same weight as court testimony, while acknowledgement forms simply confirm receipt or understanding of information
• Witness Requirements: Affidavits must be sworn before authorized persons like JPs or lawyers; acknowledgement forms typically only need a regular witness
• Purpose: Affidavits are used to present evidence in legal proceedings, while acknowledgement forms document that someone has received, understood, or agreed to something
• Consequences: Making false statements in an affidavit is perjury with criminal penalties; incorrect acknowledgement forms usually only have civil implications