Commissioner of Affidavits
A Commissioner of Affidavits is authorized to administer oaths and affirmations and to witness the signing of certain legal documents. The exact powers vary by country, but the core duties are generally similar.
WHAT A COMMISSIONER OF AFFIDAVITS CAN DO
- Administering oaths and affirmations
- Witnessing affidavits
- Verifying the identity of the deponent
- Ensuring the affidavit is sworn voluntarily
- Witnessing other legal documents
- Maintaining professional standards
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DOCUMENTS A COMMISSIONER OF AFFIDVITS WITNESSES AND SIGNS
1. General Affidavits
2. Affidavits of service
3. Affidavits of identity
4. Affidavits of support
5. Affidavits used in court proceedings
ROLE A COMMISSIONER OF AFFIDVITS
Role of the Commissioner of Affidavits
In all of these proceedings, the Commissioner of Affidavits does not decide the case or verify the truth of the evidence. The Commissioner's role is to:
- Verify the identity of the deponent.
- Administer the oath or affirmation.
- Witness the signing of the affidavit.
- Complete and sign the jurat, certifying that the affidavit was properly sworn or affirmed.
The truthfulness of the contents of the affidavit remains the responsibility of the person making it, and knowingly making a false affidavit may expose the deponent to penalties for perjury or other offences under Trinidad and Tobago law.