Is there a right and a wrong format for an affidavit?

[mirrortraveler 1]

Hey you guys, 

 

So we are still working on our I-751 package and have designated three US citizen friends to write affidavits. They intend to take them to their local banks to have them notarized. So far so good. I am just not entirely sure what a "sworn affidavit" needs to look like. Going by the example provided by the forum, it seems overtly formal. Can it just be a dated and signed letter without the letterhead and stuff? Should it still mention things like my A# and have that whole section at the bottom for the notary to fill out, instead of just putting their stamp on it? Where, if anywhere, does the date go? Do they really need to know our friends' home addresses and birthdates? I guess I am also wondering if anyone has some examples. 

 

Thank you all in advance for the help! 

[TBoneTX 46,166]

If they intend to have their signatures on the document (NOT the document itself!) notarized, have the notarial certificate already on the affidavit for the notary to fill in.  Your friends should sign the document in the notary's presence.

 

To clarify a prevalent misunderstanding, Notaries Public notarize signatures, not documents.

[mirrortraveler 1]

Thanks for the clarification, TBone TX. Do you think it's necessary to include the official letterhead at the top, the legal speak, and have them give both their date of birth and their current address,  as in the example letter (attached), though? 

USCIS_I751_Affidavit.doc

[TBoneTX 46,166]

Sure, give date of birth, definitely current address, and write the A# on each.

 

Content is more important than form, although as a courtesy to the Notary, include the material at page bottom (look at documents prepared by Floridians for the precise language).

 

Affidavits are suggested only when other evidence is thin.  Are yours even necessary?  You can get a lot more mileage out of creating Wills, healthcare and general Powers of Attorney, and similar documents.  These are great for I-751 purposes and even more valuable to have in "life."

[mirrortraveler 1]

We have living wills. Those were extremely easy to get, though. Too easy? I mean, they were signed by witnesses and us, but notarization wasn't even necessary. And we got them barely a month ago. I think we have sufficient evidence overall, but it's been tough getting the right updated information from our health insurance and our utility companies have been very difficult as well. And as always with this, I'd rather be safe than sorry. Also, I received a reminder letter from USCIS saying we should include the affidavits, so we will. It's no problem for our friends, as they will gladly do them and have them notarized, as long as they know how they should look. I found a good format the other day. We'll just have each friend print out a version with and one without the part for the notary at the bottom of the page. Then the notary can pick whichever one works best for them. Thank you for talking me through it. 

[TBoneTX 46,166]

Living wills are good, but actual wills ("Last Wills & Testaments") are powerful, as are medical and general powers of attorney.  Even if you have little property, these documents are crucial to have in "life."

 

The notary (if doing the job correctly) would have to attach a page with the certification language if the affidavit lacks one, so concentrate on the versions with that language.

 

It's great that you're so aware and are taking nothing for granted.  Let us know the outcome!