Statutory Declarations in Singapore
A written statement of facts, declared to be true before an authorised person. Simple to execute and serious in effect, because a false declaration is an offence. We draft them and administer them.
Clear, predictable statutory declarations fees.
That covers administering the declaration. Drafting one from scratch is quoted separately according to what it has to establish, and a declaration going overseas needs notarisation and authentication instead, which we will price in full before you commit.
A statutory declaration is a written statement of facts which the maker declares to be true, signed in the presence of a person authorised to receive it. It is not sworn evidence in a court case, and it carries real weight.
They are used wherever an institution needs a formal account of something that cannot be proved by a document: confirming an identity or a change of name, explaining a discrepancy between records, declaring marital or financial status, confirming a relationship, or attesting to facts for an authority that has asked for them in this form.
What makes a declaration work
Precision about what you actually know. A declaration should state facts within your own knowledge and say so. Where something is believed rather than known, it should say that instead. Declarations get into difficulty by asserting more than the maker can stand behind.
Only what is asked for. A declaration is read by someone with a specific question. Extra material invites extra questions.
The right authorised person. For use in Singapore, a Commissioner for Oaths. For use overseas, a notary public, usually followed by authentication.
Documents attached properly. Where the declaration refers to documents, they are exhibited and marked, not stapled on loosely.
What we do
Drafting. Many people arrive with a requirement rather than a document: an authority has asked for a statutory declaration and has not said what it should say. We draft it so it establishes what is needed and nothing more.
Reviewing what you have. Where a template has been supplied, we check it says what you can truthfully declare, which is not always the same thing.
Administering it. As lawyers and Commissioners for Oaths we take the declaration, verify your identity and witness the signature.
Notarising, where it is going overseas. With the notarial certificate and Academy of Law authentication that follow. We will set out that whole chain and its cost before you commit.
Take the truth requirement seriously
Making a statutory declaration that you know to be false is an offence, and it is prosecuted. That is precisely why institutions ask for declarations rather than letters: the maker is putting themselves at risk if the statement is untrue, which is what gives the document its value.
In practice this means two things. Read what you are signing, including the parts drafted by somebody else. And if you are unsure whether something is accurate, raise it before the declaration is made, because the fix is a wording change beforehand and a much larger problem afterwards.
Related
Where a document is going abroad, see notary public. Where you need someone to act for you rather than to state facts, see power of attorney. Where you are changing your name, see deed poll.
Statutory declarations in Singapore: frequently asked questions
Who can witness a statutory declaration?
For use in Singapore, a Commissioner for Oaths, which includes many practising lawyers. For use overseas, a notary public, and usually authentication afterwards. Using the wrong one means the receiving authority may simply reject it.
What does it cost?
Administering it is S$25 for the first document at the prescribed rate, and S$10 for each additional document at the same appointment. Drafting a declaration from scratch is separate and depends on what it has to establish. If the document is going overseas the chain is different, and we will price the whole of it in advance.
Can I write it myself?
Yes, and many people do. The risks are asserting more than you actually know, omitting something the recipient needs, and using wording that the receiving authority will not accept. If the declaration matters, having it drafted or at least reviewed is inexpensive relative to being sent away and starting again.
Is a statutory declaration the same as an affidavit?
They are close relatives. An affidavit is sworn or affirmed for use in court proceedings; a statutory declaration is declared for other purposes. The formalities differ slightly and the consequence of untruth is serious for both.
My declaration is going to another country. Is a Commissioner for Oaths enough?
Usually not. Documents going abroad normally need to be notarised, and a notarial certificate authenticated at the Singapore Academy of Law, before the receiving authority will accept them. Some destinations require legalisation at an embassy after that. Tell us where it is going and we will set out the chain.
Do I need to bring anything?
The original identification named in the declaration, any documents referred to in it, and an unsigned copy of the declaration itself. Do not sign it beforehand: the signature has to be made in front of the person taking it.
What clients say.
Fast and professional service at JCP Law. Very smooth process for statutory declaration. Staff were helpful and clear. Highly recommended.
Friendly and Professional Staff with fast and effective outcomes. Communication was clear and the process was handled very efficiently.
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