At First Law Solicitors, we provide professional services for Oaths, Affirmations and Statutory Declarations across the United Kingdom.
These formal legal procedures are used to confirm the truth of a statement or document. They are required by courts, government departments, banks, embassies and other institutions when a sworn or affirmed statement must be submitted.
Our solicitors are authorised to administer oaths, take affirmations and witness statutory declarations. We ensure that each process is completed correctly, efficiently and in full compliance with UK law.
An oath is a solemn promise to tell the truth, usually made on a holy book or according to a person’s faith. An affirmation serves the same legal purpose but is a non-religious declaration of truth. Both carry the same legal weight and are used in the same situations.
You may be required to take an oath or make an affirmation when signing an affidavit, confirming evidence in court, completing official documentation or verifying information for immigration, property or probate matters.
The choice between an oath and an affirmation is entirely personal and does not affect the legal validity of your statement.
Our solicitors guide you through the process, explaining what will happen and ensuring that the wording, signature and certification meet all legal requirements.
A Statutory Declaration is a formal statement of fact made under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. It is similar to an affidavit but does not involve an oath. Instead, you make a solemn declaration that the contents are true.
Statutory declarations are often used in administrative, business and immigration matters where a written confirmation of fact is required but an affidavit is not necessary.
Examples include confirming identity or address, declaring ownership of property, proving loss of documents, or supporting visa and citizenship applications.
Our solicitors ensure that your declaration follows the correct format, that you understand its effect, and that it is properly witnessed and certified in accordance with UK evidentiary standards.
When you attend your appointment, our solicitor will review your document and confirm your identity. We explain the nature of the statement and ensure that you understand that it must be true to the best of your knowledge.
You will then be invited to swear an oath, make an affirmation or sign a statutory declaration in our presence. The solicitor then certifies the document, confirming that it has been properly executed before an authorised person.
If you already have a prepared document, we can witness and certify it as drafted. If you require help preparing one, we can also assist with drafting and formatting to ensure that it complies with the required standards.
Since 2025, oaths, affirmations and declarations can also be witnessed and certified digitally under the Digital Verification Services (DVS) framework.
Our solicitors can verify your identity and administer the process through a secure video appointment, using Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) to complete certification where accepted by the relevant authority.
This remote service is particularly useful for clients based abroad or those unable to attend in person. The digital process is fully recorded, traceable and compliant with the evidentiary standards set out in UK law.
All personal information and documents are treated with complete confidentiality.
Every record is processed and stored securely in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, under the oversight of the Information Commission (formerly the ICO).
Original documents are reviewed and returned promptly after signing, and all digital records are stored safely within our encrypted systems.
At First Law Solicitors, we make formal legal procedures straightforward and professional.
We understand that clients may be unfamiliar with oaths, affirmations and declarations, and we take the time to explain each step clearly.
Our solicitors ensure that every document is witnessed correctly, lawfully and in the format required by courts, authorities and institutions in the United Kingdom and abroad.
We provide both in-person and remote appointments for clients who need quick, reliable certification. Our approach combines legal accuracy with practical efficiency, giving you complete confidence that your statement will be accepted wherever it is used.
If you need to swear an oath, make an affirmation or sign a statutory declaration, contact First Law Solicitors today.
We provide prompt and professional appointments across the United Kingdom and for clients based overseas.
Call 0044 161 224 4066
Complete our secure online enquiry form to arrange your consultation.
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