A Statutory Declaration is a statement or fact that is created and signed in the presence of a UK solicitor, Notary Public or anyone who is authorised by law to hear it. Statutory Declarations are signed in the presence of a UK official to ensure that the written statement does not contain any false information or material. The person making the declaration is made aware of their responsibilities. To knowingly make a false declaration could result in legal proceedings being taken against that person.

The declarations are not sworn but are seen to be similar to statements made under Oath. They are made in accordance with the Statutory Declarations Act 1835.

A person will usually create a Statutory Declaration to satisfy requirements of authorities when other documentation is not available to them. These documents can be useful when declaring marital status, residency status, nationality, changes of a name and much more.

A common use of a Statutory Declaration is to prove single status. Many authorities will look to confirm that you are single and free to marry before they will allow a wedding to take place overseas. The Certificate of No Impediment is generally used to prove this. However, there is no guarantee that your local Register Office will issue you with one of these documents, as legal restrictions in some locations prohibit any Register Office’s from issuing these certificates. This is why many of our clients choose to create a statutory declaration.

It is advised that anyone considering presenting a Statutory Declaration overseas checks with the authorities to ensure it will be accepted.

Once a Statutory Declaration has been created and signed, it is common practice that an Apostille stamp is issued to legalise and validate the document for use overseas. The Apostille stamp confirms to overseas authorities that the government has checked the identity of the person witnessing the Statutory Declaration after they have carried out their standard background checks.

We are able to offer the apostille service for all Statutory Declaration documents that are witnessed by a UK solicitor or Notary public before being sent to our office.

To begin the legalisation process of your Statutory Declaration please post your witnessed document to our office with our easy to complete order form available at the following link - Order your apostille