Westside Law: Wills Estate Trust Lawyer Notary Public Vancouver BC

This article provides information on "statutory declarations" or "solemn declarations" (they are the same thing).

Sometimes you may be told that you need a statutory declaration or solemn declaration which must be notarized. These declarations are basically a written declaration by you that the facts set out in the declaration are true.

When you sign a declaration before a notary or lawyer, you will be told that you must swear or affirm that the contents are true and doing so has the same force and effect as if you were giving evidence in court under oath. You will need to produce some Picture ID when you do this before the notary or lawyer.

These types of declarations are governed by a BC law called the Evidence Act. There is no set form for the declaration. However, the Evidence Act does set out a particular format that should be used.

As a result, and if you are drafting a declaration yourself, you should use the following format:

 

STATUTORY DECLARATION

I, ................, solemnly declare that:

1. (set out the fact or facts declared to),

2. (more facts, etc...)

and I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing it to be true, and knowing that it is of the same force and effect as if made under oath.

_________________________
(name of person making declaration)

Declared before me at the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, on this ........ day of .............., 2007.

_________________________
A Notary Public in and for the Province of British Columbia