In the legal sphere, the phrase "Subscribed and sworn to before me" refers to a statement made by a notary public or an authorized official who verifies the authenticity of a document and the oath taken by the individual signing it. This phrase accompanies documents such as affidavits, declarations, or attestations, and signifies that the signer appeared before the notary in person, acknowledged their identity, and affirmed the truthfulness and accuracy of the statements within the document. Let's explore the concept further by delving into the different types of Subscribed and sworn to before me statements that commonly occur in legal practice. 1. Affidavits: An affidavit is a written statement made under oath or affirmation, whereby an individual provides facts, firsthand knowledge, or personal experiences related to a specific case or matter. A notary public, acting as an independent witness, requires the affine (person making the affidavit) to appear before them and swear or affirm the truth of the statements made. The notary then signs and attaches the phrase "Subscribed and sworn to before me" to the document, indicating their official confirmation of the ceremony. 2. Declarations: Similar to an affidavit, a declaration is a written statement made by an individual under penalty of perjury. It involves affirming that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of the declaring's knowledge. Notarizing a declaration entails the same process as an affidavit, including the use of the phrase "Subscribed and sworn to before me" to indicate the notary's involvement. 3. Attestations: An attestation is a formal acknowledgment made by a notary public that a document was properly executed and signed in their presence. It certifies that the signatory's identity was verified, and the document was executed willingly and knowingly. A notary will include the phrase "Subscribed and sworn to before me" to establish their official role in witnessing the signing and confirming its validity. The inclusion of "Subscribed and sworn to before me" in these types of documents holds significant legal weight, as it assures subsequent parties relying on the document that the necessary processes were followed and the signer's identity and intentions were duly verified in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Notaries carry out this crucial part of their duties with diligence and impartiality, adhering to their role as official witnesses and safeguarding the integrity of legal documents.