"Personal notarized affidavits"

[keysjangle 145]

For secondary proof of bona fide marriage. My future spouse (USC) has free legal services provided for him. So if we were to write the affidavit (how we met, how long we knew each other before marriage, etc), is it mandatory to have it notarized by a legal representative? How have others done it? I know that notaries are meant to be done by lawyers, but I just want to double check

I think I'll be starting CR1 in a couple months

[magdasal 19]

For secondary proof of bona fide marriage. My future spouse (USC) has free legal services provided for him. So if we were to write the affidavit (how we met, how long we knew each other before marriage, etc), is it mandatory to have it notarized by a legal representative? How have others done it? I know that notaries are meant to be done by lawyers, but I just want to double check

I think I'll be starting CR1 in a couple months

Well, according to many, affidavits, in general, are considered to be the weakest of the secondary articles of evidence to start with. I'm not so sure about it, so I included 2 in my package.

However, I would say that an notarized 'affidavit' from either the petitioner or the beneficiary would be a waste of time...at least as a form of secondary evidence. The entire petition itself is based on premise that the petitioner who is filing it is making a legal and truthful claim...one with consequences if he/she is not being forthright. So a notarized affidavit is somewhat redundant, at best.

Now, a signed statement from the petitioner describing the evolution of the relationship does have value, I think (since I did it myself) in clarifying for the examiner the dates, places and significant events in a relationship. Not so much as a legal affidavit, but just a source of relavent information that makes the other evidence in your petition more understandable.

So, I say include such a letter (keep it brief and only cover the most significant events that you have provided other evidence for). Just don't bother getting it notarized...a formal letter format with signature and date will make it as official as it needs to be.

Affidavits from other 3rd party witnesses (which are a valid source of evidence) should be notarized according to the I-130 instructions (USCIS requires certain information be included on the notarized document) by a notary public (or lawyer).

[keysjangle 145]

We have plenty of other strong evidence, i.e. I'll be on his life insurance, health benefits and will, a truckload of pictures, we'll have a marriage certificate obviously, chat logs/e-mails dating from 2007 to now and beyond, flight itineraries with passport stamps and boarding passes, etc. But what I've learned from VJ is the more the better, so whatever applies to us I will prepare and send.

Thanks for the advice

Edited December 3, 2010 by Gervl

[magdasal 19]

We have plenty of other strong evidence, i.e. I'll be on his life insurance, health benefits and will, a truckload of pictures, we'll have a marriage certificate obviously, chat logs/e-mails dating from 2007 to now and beyond, flight itineraries with passport stamps and boarding passes, etc. But what I've learned from VJ is the more the better, so whatever applies to us I will prepare and send.

Thanks for the advice

With all of that evidence you are in great shape then. I really am a believer in front loading the petition (worked for me!). Best wishes on a speedy approval.

[pushbrk 12,883]

For secondary proof of bona fide marriage. My future spouse (USC) has free legal services provided for him. So if we were to write the affidavit (how we met, how long we knew each other before marriage, etc), is it mandatory to have it notarized by a legal representative? How have others done it? I know that notaries are meant to be done by lawyers, but I just want to double check

I think I'll be starting CR1 in a couple months

You seem to be describing a letter describing the evolution of your relationship. There's no need to get it notarized. It's a letter, not an affidavit.

While most Law Firms have employees who are licensed Notary Publics, most banks and insurance agencies have them too. Many are simply independent of any other firm. No need for a notary and no need for a notary to be part of a law firm.

[Wayne and Claudia 40]

You seem to be describing a letter describing the evolution of your relationship. There's no need to get it notarized. It's a letter, not an affidavit.

While most Law Firms have employees who are licensed Notary Publics, most banks and insurance agencies have them too. Many are simply independent of any other firm. No need for a notary and no need for a notary to be part of a law firm.

one glance in the yellow pages under Notary and folks would be amazed at all the places who do it.