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An Affidavit's a formal written statement used to confirm facts under oath. It’s typically required in court proceedings or other official applications where written evidence is needed.
Last Update 20 January 2026
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An Affidavit's a written statement of facts. When you sign this legal document, you’re confirming that what is stated is true. You must swear or affirm this before an authorised person.
In the UK, Affidavits are commonly used in:
Making a false statement in an Affidavit may amount to contempt of court or perjury. Because of this, Affidavits carry significant legal weight and must be prepared carefully.
Affidavits are used whenever written evidence is required, and oral testimony is not practical or permitted. Common uses in the UK include the following situation:
| Situation | Use |
| Court proceedings | To present factual evidence in civil or family court cases |
| Statutory applications | To confirm facts for government or legal applications |
| Name or identity matters | To formally confirm identity, name changes, or corrections |
| Financial or property issues | To declare ownership, debts, or financial facts |
| Missing documents | To explain the loss or absence of official records |
You should look at a finished Affidavit to get an idea of this document’s structure and content. Here is an Affidavit example you can use to help you draft your own:
It’s possible to write your own Affidavit. However, you need to sign it in front of a legal professional, such as a solicitor, for it to be valid. Here are the steps you should take when drafting this document:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Start with your details | Add your full name, address, and occupation so it’s clear who is making the affidavit. |
| 2. Use a clear title | Title the document “Affidavit” and, if helpful, include a short line on what it relates to. |
| 3. Write the facts | Write in numbered paragraphs with one fact per paragraph. Avoid opinions or guesses. |
| 4. Confirm it’s true | Include a statement that the contents are true to the best of your knowledge and belief. |
| 5. Prepare for signing | You must wait to sign the document in front of an authorised person. |
| 6. Swear or affirm it | Swear or affirm the affidavit and sign it in front of a solicitor, commissioner for oaths, or another authorised official. |
You can use our UK Affidavit template to make a customised version of this document in just a few minutes. Simply enter your details, and you’ll instantly receive the finished document.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions people ask when preparing a sworn Affidavit.
You swear an Affidavit by signing it in front of a:
They will ask you to swear an oath or make a non-religious affirmation. Once sworn, the Affidavit becomes legally effective and can be used for its intended purpose.
Creating an Affidavit with our template could be a quick and cost-effective way for you to get this document. However, you will then need to pay a solicitor or other authorised person, as swearing an Affidavit usually costs a small fee.
Solicitors typically charge a statutory fee per Affidavit and per exhibit. Some may charge more for additional services.
Once an Affidavit is filed, it’s considered part of the official record for the case or application. It could be considered official evidence by official authorities, such as a court. You may later be asked about the content. This is common when the facts of a case are disputed.
You sign an Affidavit yourself, but only in the presence of an authorised person. This includes:
They do not sign for you. They witness your signature and confirm that it was properly sworn or affirmed.
