A statutory declaration is a written summary of facts that the declarant solemnly proclaims to be true before signing the documented summary. A statutory declaration is not sworn; rather it is affirmed to be true and must be witnessed by a justice of the peace, attorney, lawyer, barrister,solicitor, notary public or some other designated official.
A statutory declaration is similar to an affidavit, except it is usually drafted for purposes other than court proceedings. It is a solemn declaration used to assert the truth of any fact or of any account rendered in writing. The declaration carries the same weight and effect as those made under oath and therefore has value as evidence.
Some common statutory declarations are:
Statutory declarations confirming identity
- Statutory declarations confirming a document has been lost or stolen
- Statutory declarations regarding the ownership of property