Affidavit of Child Custody in Nigeria
An Affidavit of Child Custody is a legal document used to assert that a parent or guardian has physical and/or legal custody of a child. In Nigeria, while final custody orders are granted by a court of law (usually a Family Court or High Court), this affidavit serves as an interim or supplementary proof of custody in non-litigious situations. It is essentially a sworn statement by a parent declaring that the child lives with them and that they are responsible for the child's welfare. Common Uses This affidavit is frequently required for administrative purposes. For example, if a single parent wishes to register a child in school, obtain a medical procedure for the child, or apply for the child's international passport without the other parent present, authorities may request this affidavit. It is particularly common when parents are separated but not legally divorced, and one parent needs to prove they have the primary care of the child to third parties like visa officers or school principals. Distinction from Court Orders It is crucial to understand that an affidavit does not override a Court Order. If a court has granted custody to the father, the mother cannot use an affidavit to claim custody legally. However, in the absence of a court order (e.g., in amicable separations or cases where the other parent is absent/deceased), this affidavit acts as the de facto proof of guardianship and control. Required Declarations The deponent must state their relationship to the child (mother, father, or guardian), the child's name and age, and the fact that the child resides with them. It typically includes a clause accepting full financial and moral responsibility for the child's upbringing. If the other parent is alive but absent, the affidavit may state that the other parent is aware of this arrangement or is currently unavailable.
Preview ←Affidavit of Citizenship
An Affidavit of Citizenship is a sworn statement declaring an individual's citizenship status. It is often required when a US birth certificate is unavailable, or when a person born abroad claims citizenship through US parents (derived citizenship). It may be used for passport applications, federal employment, or obtaining government benefits. The affiant must detail the basis of their claim, such as birth location or naturalization details.
Preview ←Affidavit of Compound Name in Nigeria
Introduction The Affidavit of Compound Name is a specialized legal instrument used when an individual wishes to combine two surnames or add a middle name to their surname to form a double-barrelled name (e.g., changing from 'Ngozi Adebayo' to 'Ngozi Okonjo-Adebayo'). This is distinct from a simple change of name because it focuses on the preservation of a lineage or a maiden name alongside a marital name. Significance This affidavit is popular among professional women who wish to retain their maiden name for career continuity while acknowledging their marital status. It is also used by families wishing to preserve a historic family name by compounding it with their current surname. The affidavit serves as legal authority for the hyphenation or combination of names. Requirements Like other name-related affidavits, this document must be sworn in a High Court. It must clearly state the previous simple name and the new compound name. Once sworn, this affidavit allows the deponent to update their passport, driver's license, and bank details to reflect the compound format. It is a critical document for avoiding confusion regarding the deponent's identity in professional and legal circles.
Preview ←Affidavit of Confession of Judgment
An Affidavit of Confession of Judgment is a powerful document used in business and lending. By signing this, a debtor voluntarily admits to owing a specific amount of money and authorizes the creditor to obtain a court judgment against them without a trial if they fail to pay. This bypasses the long and expensive process of a lawsuit. It acts as a form of security for the creditor. However, because it waives significant due process rights, courts scrutinize these affidavits closely to ensure the debtor understood what they were signing and wasn't coerced. It effectively says, "I admit I owe this, and if I don't pay, you can instantly get a judgment against me."
Preview ←Affidavit of Confirmation of Name in Nigeria
Introduction An Affidavit of Confirmation of Name is a legal declaration used to attest that different variations of a name appearing on separate documents belong to the same individual. In Nigeria, it is common for people to use initials on some documents (e.g., 'A. B. Musa') while using full names on others (e.g., 'Ahmed Bello Musa'), or to omit a middle name entirely on certain records. This affidavit harmonizes these discrepancies. Usage Scenarios This document is essential when applying for a visa, opening a bank account, or claiming insurance/pension benefits where the reviewing authority demands proof that the person holding a driver's license with one name variation is the same person holding a birth certificate with another. It prevents administrative rejections based on 'identity mismatch' errors. Structure and Validity The affidavit clearly lists the different variations of the name found on the conflicting documents and explicitly states that they all refer to the deponent. It does not necessarily 'correct' a mistake (like the Correction of Name affidavit) but rather 'confirms' that the existing variations are valid and belong to one legal entity. It is often accompanied by the exhibit of the documents in question when presented to authorities.
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