Pennsylvania Affidavit of Custody and Gratuitous Keep
Definition and meaning
The Pennsylvania Affidavit of Custody and Gratuitous Keep is a legal document required when a resident of a school district keeps a child of school age who is not their own. This affidavit serves to confirm that the resident is supporting the child free of charge and assumes all personal and financial obligations for the child’s schooling. The document aims to ensure that the enrollment of the child in the school district is legitimate and not merely a means to evade tuition fees or district attendance requirements.
Who should use this form
This affidavit is intended for individuals who are providing unpaid care and support for children who are not their biological offspring. Common users include:
- Relatives who are supporting a child temporarily or long-term.
- Friends or neighbors who take in a child for various reasons, including family emergencies.
- Legal guardians who have informal custody arrangements without formal court orders.
Anyone in these circumstances should complete the affidavit before the child can be enrolled in local schools.
How to complete a form
Completing the Pennsylvania Affidavit of Custody and Gratuitous Keep requires attention to detail. Here are the steps to follow:
- Provide your full name and the address of the school district where you reside.
- Include the name, age, and address of the child you are keeping.
- Certify that you support the child gratuitously as your own and outline your responsibility for the child's educational needs.
- Have the affidavit notarized, which might require showing proof of identification.
- Submit the completed affidavit to the appropriate school district officials.
This process helps verify valid residency and financial responsibility for the child in question.
Key components of the form
The Pennsylvania Affidavit of Custody and Gratuitous Keep includes several critical components:
- Affiant's Information: This includes the name and address of the person keeping the child.
- Child's Details: Full name, address, and age of the child being supported.
- Sworn Statement: A declaration that the affiant is providing care and support without payment.
- Notary Section: A section for notarization to affirm the authenticity of the document.
These elements ensure clarity and legal sanctity for the affidavit when filed.
Common mistakes to avoid when using this form
When completing the Pennsylvania Affidavit of Custody and Gratuitous Keep, individuals often make some common errors:
- Failing to provide complete and accurate information, such as the child's details or the affiant's address.
- Neglecting to have the affidavit notarized before submission.
- Submitting the form without verifying local school district requirements, which may vary.
A careful review can help ensure that the affidavit is valid and accepted.
What to expect during notarization or witnessing
Notarization is a crucial step in validating the Pennsylvania Affidavit of Custody and Gratuitous Keep. Here is what you should expect:
- The notary will require you to present a government-issued photo ID to confirm your identity.
- You will be asked to sign the affidavit in the presence of the notary.
- The notary will then complete their section of the form, adding their signature, seal, and date to make it legally binding.
Ensure that all details are correct before reaching this step to avoid the need for re-notarization.
