A sworn statement (or sworn declaration) is a document containing facts about a legal case. The person who makes it is called the ‘declarant’. This type of statement is given under oath or penalty of perjury, both promises of absolute honesty.
This is similar to an affidavit, but a sworn statement does not require a notary to witness or seal it. Instead, the declarant adds a written endorsement at the end of the document, swearing that the statement is true and correct, before adding their signature.
Many federal courts (and some states) allow a sworn statement in place of an affidavit. However, while federal courts accept them, some family law or real estate proceedings still strictly require a notarized affidavit.
How To Write a Sworn Statement
Once you make a sworn statement, you testify to the facts of an event, action, or lawsuit. To do so:
- Prepare a list of each fact to which you want to swear
- Include the 'Certification Block' (e.g., 'I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct')
- Sign the bottom of the document, below the endorsement. You can do it by applying a verified digital or handwritten signature.
