Your Word, Legally Binding.
When you need to provide sworn testimony outside of a courtroom, you need an Affidavit. We administer the necessary oaths to ensure your written statements carry the full weight of the law.
Actor Portrayal
Turning Paper into Evidence
An Affidavit is more than just a letter; it is a voluntary statement of facts made under oath. It is often used as evidence in court proceedings, government applications, and estate matters.
Because an Affidavit is sworn testimony, lying on one is considered perjury, a serious crime.
At Saffold Law, we take the administration of oaths seriously. We don’t just stamp the paper; we verify that you understand the gravity of the statement you are signing. This ensures that your affidavit stands up to scrutiny by judges, insurance adjusters, and government officials.
The "Jurat" vs. The "Acknowledgment"
Most people don’t know the difference, but using the wrong certificate invalidates the affidavit.
- Acknowledgment: Used for contracts/deeds. You simply admit you signed it. No oath is required.
- Jurat: Used for Affidavits. You must sign in front of the notary AND swear an oath that the contents are true.
If your affidavit has a standard “Acknowledgment” block instead of a “Jurat,” it is legally worthless as sworn testimony. We ensure the correct statutory form is used every time.
Common Types of Affidavits We Notarize
We handle sworn statements for a variety of legal and personal needs.
1. Affidavits for Court Proceedings
- Affidavit of Service: Proving a legal document was delivered to a party.
- Affidavit of Non-Military Service: Confirming a defendant is not on active duty (required for default judgments).
- Financial Affidavits: Sworn statements of income and assets often used in divorce or support cases.
2. Identity & Status
- Affidavit of Identity: Used when a person has been the victim of identity theft or has variations in their name on legal documents (e.g., “John Smith” vs. “John A. Smith”).
- Same Name Affidavit: Clarifying that different names on credit reports or deeds refer to the same person.
3. Estate & Real Estate
- Affidavit of Heirship: (See our Real Estate section) Establishing heirs when someone dies without a will.
- Affidavit of Debts and Liens: Swearing that a property is free of unrecorded debts before a sale.
4. Lost Documents
- Affidavit of Lost Note: If you paid off a loan but lost the original promissory note, this sworn statement allows the lien to be released.
- Affidavit of Lost Instrument: For replacing lost stock certificates or other valuable papers.
Why Use a Law Firm for Oaths?
Administering the Oath
A proper Jurat requires a verbal oath. Many quick-stop notaries skip this step, technically rendering the notarization invalid. We follow the strict ceremonial procedure required by Texas law.
Drafting Assistance
While a notary strictly cannot give legal advice, as a law firm, if you need help drafting or correcting the content of the affidavit before you swear to it, our attorneys can be engaged to assist (as a separate legal service).
Witness Services
Some affidavits require credible witnesses in addition to the notary. We can coordinate the necessary personnel to validate your transaction.
Actor Portrayal
Our Process
Actor Portrayal
1. Do Not Sign Yet
For a Jurat (Affidavit), you MUST sign in the presence of the notary. If you sign it at home, we cannot notarize it.
Actor Portrayal
2. The Oath
We will ask you to raise your right hand and solemnly swear or affirm that the statements in the document are true to the best of your knowledge.
Actor Portrayal
3. The Seal
Once the oath is administered and the document signed, we affix our seal and complete the Jurat certificate.
Make It Official.
Ensure your sworn statement is executed correctly. Contact Saffold Law to schedule your notary appointment.