A statutory declaration is a written statement that you sign in front of an authorised witness, declaring that its contents are true.
It is used for a wide range of everyday purposes: immigration applications, name changes, insurance claims, confirming a relationship, losing a document, and dealing with government agencies and banks.
The declaration itself has no legal effect until it is properly witnessed. Making a false declaration is an offence.
I witness statutory declarations at no charge for people in Henderson and the wider West Auckland area. There is no cost and no obligation to instruct me on anything else.
What to bring
Bring the completed declaration, unsigned. Do not sign it beforehand — you must sign in front of the witness. Bring photo identification, and bring any documents referred to in the declaration if they need to be attached as exhibits.
If the declaration is in a language you do not read comfortably, tell me before we start. In some cases an interpreter or a translated version will be needed.
What I cannot do
Witnessing a declaration is not legal advice. I do not draft the declaration or advise on whether its contents are correct or sufficient for the agency you are dealing with. If you need advice on the substance, that is a separate matter and I am happy to discuss it.
I also cannot witness a declaration in a matter where I am acting, or where I have an interest.
Get in touch if you need to make a statutory declaration.