Fillable Form Affidavit of Marriage

What is an Affidavit of Marriage?

An Affidavit of Marriage is a legal document that is used to prove that two individuals are married. This document is typically used in situations where the marriage certificate is not readily available or cannot be obtained for various reasons. The Affidavit of Marriage serves as a sworn statement by one or both parties that they are in fact married.

The form itself is a standardized form that can be obtained from a variety of sources, including online legal document providers, law firms, or government agencies, and typically requires information such as the married individuals’ names, addresses, and the date and location that the marriage was held.

As with most affidavits, an Affidavit of Marriage must be notarized in order to ensure that no fraud occurs and that the document can properly be considered legally binding. Depending on what the affidavit will be used for, disinterested third parties called witnesses may also need to sign the form.

How do I fill out an Affidavit of Marriage?

An Affidavit of Marriage requires information about the individual’s name, their spouse, the date and place they were married, and job title. In some cases, additional documents may also be needed as necessary to the reason for why the affidavit is being filed.

State and County

Enter the state and county that the affidavit is being filed in.

Name of Declarant

Enter the full legal name of the person declaring their marriage (the affiant).

Residential Address

Enter the residential address of the affiant.

Job Title

Enter the affiant’s job title. If the affiant is currently unemployed, enter N/A instead.

Date of Marriage

Enter the date that the affiant and their spouse were married.

Location of Marriage

Enter the city, state, and country that the affiant and their spouse were married in.

Name of Spouse

Enter the full legal name of the affiant’s spouse.

Affiant’s Signature

Have the affiant sign the form on the space provided, then enter the date that they signed the form.

Notary Acknowledgement

This section should be filled out by a notary. Make sure to sign the form specifically in the presence of a notary, so they can properly witness the signing.

State and County

Enter the state and county that the notary operates in.

Name

Enter the notary’s full legal name.

Date of Notarization

Enter the date that the affidavit was notarized.

Signature

Have the notary sign the form on the space provided.

Commission Expiry

Enter the date that the notary’s commission expires.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an Affidavit?

Affidavits are a type of legal document used by individuals to certify that a statement they are making is true. Such forms often need to be notarized in order to ensure that no fraud is committed and that all parties involved, both the party that is asking for an affidavit and the person filing an affidavit, are assured that the statements being made are, as sworn under oath, completely true.

Are affidavits legally binding?

Yes. Filing an affidavit legitimizes the claim made by the person filing it, meaning that they are not only fully aware of all information that has been written into an affidavit, but they are taking an oath that everything that has been stated is 100% true and honest.

How do I get an affidavit notarized?

You may avail of the services of a notary online or by contacting a nearby notary office. This will generally require that you provide an ID to the notary, and only sign the form when the notary is there to witness it.

Can another person file an Affidavit of Marriage on my behalf?
Yes, simply write a letter granting that person authorization to do so. In some states, however, there may be specific rules and procedures for granting another person the authority to file legal documents on your behalf, so make sure to check beforehand.

Does my spouse also have to file an Affidavit of Marriage?

Not necessarily. However, depending on the situation, both individuals in a marriage may be required to provide their own copy of an Affidavit of Marriage, so make sure to check beforehand to see if this is the case for you.

Is there a deadline to file an Affidavit of Marriage?

The deadline to file an Affidavit of Marriage depends on the specific purpose and context for which an affidavit is being used. Make sure to check to see if there are any particular deadlines or dates by which an affidavit should have been provided.

Can an Affidavit of Marriage be obtained online?

It depends, but generally, yes. However, even in cases where it is possible to have the affidavit written out and signed electronically, it will often still need to be printed out and notarized in order to be properly filed.

What happens if wrong information is put on an affidavit?

Providing false information on an affidavit can have severe legal consequences, including but not limited to being charged with perjury alongside all other consequences incurred for providing the wrong information.

What is the difference between swearing to the truth of an affidavit and affirming the truth of an affidavit?

Swearing is where a person who believes in a god can swear by their god that an affidavit is true. Usually, you will hold a Bible or other relevant holy book to hold while you swear the oath. If you do not have any religious beliefs you may affirm that an affidavit is true. An affirmation is a solemn declaration of truth, without any reference to a god. As long as you have either ‘sworn’ or ‘affirmed’ the truth of an affidavit in the presence of a qualified witness, it does not matter which one you have chosen.

What is the difference between an Affidavit of Marriage and a Marriage Contract?

An Affidavit of Marriage is a sworn statement that serves as proof of marriage. It is used to verify that two individuals are legally married when a marriage certificate is not available or cannot be obtained. A marriage contract, on the other hand, is a legal agreement between two individuals that outlines the terms and conditions of their marriage. It is a more comprehensive document that typically covers a range of issues, including property rights, spousal support, and child custody.

Can I use an Affidavit of Marriage instead of a Marriage Contract, or vice versa?

While an Affidavit of Marriage and a marriage contract may both be used in the context of a marriage, they serve distinct legal purposes and cannot be used interchangeably.

Can I use an Affidavit of Marriage in all countries?

Not necessarily. While an Affidavit of Marriage is a common legal document all over the world, different countries may have different rules about how and when they are considered valid for use.

What things can an Affidavit of Marriage be used for?

An Affidavit of Birth may be used to prove eligibility for spousal benefits under a government program, or to establish joint ownership of property. The affidavit may also be used in legal proceedings, such as divorce or immigration cases, to establish the marital status of the parties.

Can I ask for legal advice while filing an Affidavit of Marriage?

Yes. Note, however, that while notaries may themselves be legal professionals, they are not obligated to provide advice to any parties involved with the filing of the form. Make sure to consult a different legal professional if you require aid or advice as you file the affidavit.

How much does filing an Affidavit of Marriage cost?

This depends on several factors, up to and including the complexity of the document, the jurisdiction where it is being prepared, and the legal fees charged by the person or organization preparing an affidavit. However, if you are filing the affidavit yourself, then there will likely be little to no cost involved in the preparation of the affidavit.