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Have you ever been asked to prove your relationship is real? It can feel strange. You know you love your spouse, your child, or your parent. But for things like immigration, a visa, or even a bank loan, you sometimes need to prove it on paper.

That’s where a Proof of Relationship Affidavit comes in. It’s a powerful document that can help you show officials that your relationship is genuine and lasting.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll explain what it is, what to include, and how to write one. We’ll even give you sample letters you can use. Our goal is to make this process simple and clear for you.

What is a Proof of Relationship Affidavit?

Let’s start with the basics. An affidavit is a written statement that you swear is true. You sign it in front of a special official, like a notary public.

A Proof of Relationship Affidavit is a letter where someone (called the “affiant” or “declarant”) states that they know about your relationship. They explain how they know you and confirm that your relationship is real.

Think of it like a friend or family member raising their hand and telling the government, “I know this couple. Their love is real, and here’s how I know.”

When Do You Need One?

You might need this affidavit for several important reasons:

• Immigration and Visas: This is the most common use. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) often asks for them to approve marriage-based green cards or fiancé(e) visas.
• Legal Name Changes: To show your connection to a family member whose name you are taking.
• Insurance Purposes: To add a partner or spouse to your health insurance plan.
• Banking or Loans: To prove a relationship for a joint account or loan application.

Why is a Relationship Affidavit So Important?

An affidavit adds a human voice to your application. While documents like a marriage certificate prove you are legally married, an affidavit helps prove you are in a real, loving relationship.

It helps answer the question: “Is this relationship genuine, or is it just for a benefit like a visa?”

Officials look for a “paper trail” of your life together. An affidavit from a trusted person is a key part of that trail. It builds trust and shows that your relationship is recognized by your community. For more on the foundations of a strong partnership, you can read about emotionally intelligent couples.

What Should a Proof of Relationship Affidavit Include?

A good affidavit is clear, detailed, and truthful. Here are the essential elements you must have:

1. Full Names: The full legal names of both people in the relationship (e.g., “Jane Doe” and “John Smith”).
2. Nature of the Relationship: How are the people related? (e.g., “They are husband and wife,” or “She is my biological daughter.”)
3. Length and History: How long have you known the relationship has existed? (e.g., “I have known of their relationship since they started dating in 2018.”)
4. Supporting Context: Specific details about the relationship. This could include:
   • How the couple met.
   • Events you have attended together (birthdays, holidays, weddings).
   • If they live together or have shared finances.
5. Declarant’s Information: Your full name, address, date of birth, and how you know the couple (e.g., “I am Jane’s coworker and have been friends with the couple for five years.”).
6. Signature: The declarant’s signature.
7. Notarization: A section for the notary public to stamp and sign, making the document official.

Additional Supporting Documents You Can Use

An affidavit is strong, but it’s even stronger when paired with other evidence. Think of it as building a case. Here are other documents you can gather:

• Photos of you together at different times and places.
• Birth or marriage certificates.
• Copies of text messages, emails, or call logs.
• Receipts for money sent to each other (remittance receipts).
• Travel documents showing you have visited each other.
• Joint bank accounts, utility bills, or a lease agreement.

How to Write a Proof of Relationship Affidavit

Writing an affidavit doesn’t have to be scary. Just follow this step-by-step guide.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Start with Your Personal Information: At the top, write your full name, address, and date of birth.
2. State Your Relationship: Clearly say who you are and how you know the couple or family members. (e.g., “I am the brother of the petitioner, John Smith.”)
3. Describe the Relationship: This is the most important part. Explain in your own words how you know the relationship is real and genuine. Be specific!
4. Provide Specific Details, Timelines, and Examples: Don’t just say “they are in love.” Say, “I first met Sarah when John brought her to our family Thanksgiving in 2019. I have seen their relationship grow over the years, and they bought a home together in 2021.”
5. Use Clear, Factual Language: Write simply and directly. Avoid overly emotional language. Stick to the facts.
6. Add a Closing Confirmation Statement: End with a sentence like, “I solemnly swear that the information provided above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.”
7. Sign and Notarize: Leave space for your signature and the notary’s stamp. You must sign the document in the notary’s presence for it to be valid.

Pro Tips for Accuracy & Credibility

• Avoid Vague Statements: Instead of “they spend a lot of time together,” say “I see them together every Sunday for family dinner.”
• Use Dates, Places, and Real Events: “I attended their wedding on June 5th, 2022, at St. Mary’s Church in Austin, Texas.”
• Keep it Honest: Never lie in an affidavit. This is a legal document, and false statements can have serious consequences.
• Include Your Contact Information: The officials might need to verify your statement.
• Attach Evidence if Required: Sometimes, you can attach photos or other documents to the affidavit.

Sample Affidavit of Relationship (Template)

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Here are two sample templates you can use as a starting point.

Simple Affidavit Sample

AFFIDAVIT OF RELATIONSHIP

State of _______________
County of _______________

My name is [Your Full Name]. I am over 18 years old and live at [Your Full Address].

I have personal knowledge of the relationship between [Person A’s Full Name] and [Person B’s Full Name]. They are [state the relationship, e.g., husband and wife].

I have known [Person A] for [Number] years as [his/her/their] [your relationship to them, e.g., friend, coworker, mother]. I have known of their relationship since [Year]. I can confirm that their relationship is genuine and ongoing.

I swear under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Signature: _________________________
[Your Printed Name]
Date: _______________

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me on this ______ day of ______________, 20.

Notary Public Signature: _________________________
[Notary Printed Name and Seal]

Detailed Affidavit Template (Formal Version)

AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF BONA FIDE MARITAL RELATIONSHIP

1. I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state:
2. I am personally knowledgeable about the relationship between the Petitioner, [Petitioner’s Full Name], and the Beneficiary, [Beneficiary’s Full Name].
3. My relationship to the parties is: [e.g., I am the Petitioner’s brother and have known the Beneficiary since 2018].
4. I have first-hand knowledge of their relationship and can provide the following facts to establish its genuineness:
   • I first met the couple together at [Event, e.g., a family reunion] on [Date].
   • I have observed their relationship develop over time. For example, [provide a specific story, e.g., they supported each other when Petitioner’s father was ill in 2020].
   • I have visited them at their shared home at [Address] on numerous occasions, including [mention a specific date or holiday, e.g., Christmas Day, 2022].
   • They present themselves to friends and family as a committed couple.
5. I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Executed on [Date] at [City, State].

Signature of Affiant

NOTARIZATION

State of _______________
County of _______________

On this ______ day of ______________, 20, before me, a Notary Public, personally appeared [Affiant’s Full Name], known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to this document, and acknowledged that he/she executed the same for the purposes therein contained.

Signature of Notary Public
[Notary Stamp/Seal]

Sample Letters Supporting Proof of Relationship

The exact details you include will depend on the relationship you are proving.

Sample Letter for Spousal Relationship

“I have known John and Jane since their wedding in 2020. I was a guest at their ceremony. I have dined at their home multiple times and can confirm they live together as a married couple. They make joint decisions about finances and family, and I have always known them to be a loving and supportive pair.”

Sample Letter for Parent–Child Relationship

“I am the family pastor and have known [Parent’s Name] since 2005. I baptized their child, [Child’s Name], in 2010. I have watched [Child’s Name] grow up and have consistently seen [Parent’s Name] provide care, financial support, and emotional guidance. They have a loving parent-child bond.”

Sample Letter for Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1)

“I am a close friend of both [U.S. Citizen’s Name] and [Foreign Fiancé(e)’s Name]. I was present when they met in person for the first time in [City, Country] in [Month, Year]. I have since spoken with them over video call weekly and have seen their relationship progress to the point of engagement. I believe their intention to marry is sincere.” Understanding the different stages of commitment is crucial; learn more about the attachment vs love differences to solidify your own understanding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A small mistake can weaken your affidavit. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Writing Too Vague Statements: “They are a nice couple” is not helpful. Be specific.
• Not Including Dates or Details: “Sometime last year” looks weak. “On October 15, 2021” looks strong and truthful.
• Missing Signatures or Notarization: An unsigned or unnotarized affidavit is usually rejected. This is the most common error.
• Incorrect Format or Missing Attachments: If you are given a form, use it. If you reference a photo, attach it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is an affidavit enough to prove a relationship?

No, an affidavit is usually not enough by itself. It is one piece of evidence. You should always include it with other documents like photos, joint bills, and travel records. Think of it as part of a team of evidence.

Does an affidavit need to be notarized?

Yes, almost always. A notarization is what turns a simple letter into a legal affidavit. The notary confirms your identity and watches you sign, which makes the document much more trustworthy.

Who can write a proof of relationship affidavit?

Ideally, it should be written by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who knows you well. This can be a friend, family member, coworker, or religious leader. The key is that they have first-hand knowledge of your relationship.

How many affidavits are needed for immigration?

USCIS does not have a strict rule, but it is recommended to include at least two to three strong affidavits from different people (e.g., one from a friend, one from a family member).

Can a friend or coworker write the affidavit?

Absolutely. In fact, affidavits from friends and coworkers who have seen your relationship in different settings can be very powerful.

Can I use the same affidavit for multiple applications?

You can use the same format, but you should create a new, original, and notarized affidavit for each separate application. Do not submit a photocopy.

Final Tips to Strengthen Your Proof of Relationship

1. Show a Timeline of the Relationship. Create a simple chart or letter that lists key events in your relationship (when you met, first vacation, moved in together, got engaged, etc.). This provides a clear, easy-to-follow story. This is similar to understanding the relationship between short and long-term goals; it shows a logical progression of commitment.
2. Provide Multiple Sources of Evidence. Combine affidavits with financial records, photos, and official certificates. The more evidence from different parts of your life, the stronger your case.
3. Use Consistent Details Across All Documents. Make sure the names, dates, and addresses on your affidavit match those on your application, bills, and other forms. Inconsistencies can raise red flags.
4. Keep Copies for Future Applications. Always make copies of everything you submit. You may need them for future interviews or applications.

Creating a Proof of Relationship Affidavit is a key step in proving your commitment to a loved one. By being detailed, honest, and organized, you can create a powerful document that clearly shows the world your relationship is real. For more resources on nurturing and understanding your relationship, explore our guides on understanding love and building emotional resilience in love and life.