How to Write Out Statements to the Courts
Court statements, which are also known as a declaration, are statements made by individuals involved in a court case to tell their side of the story. Within a court statement specific information such as a response to another statement or eye-witness accounts are outlined. If you're required to write a court statement, you must follow several tips to ensure the statement is accepted by the court system and is filled with vital information regarding the case.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Notepad
- Pen
- Word processing computer program
- Supporting documentation
- Declaration forms
Instructions
-
-
1
Write a list of points you wish to make within the statement. By outlining these points, it will assist you when compiling the actual statement. The information needed within the statement will vary according to the type of court case you're involved in. For example, you will not have to include the same information for a child custody case as you would for a small claims case.
-
2
Write out the statement in a notepad or via a word processing computer program. Avoid using highly expressive sentences, and maintain a factual tone. If appropriate, make sure you write an event in chronological order, writing about the oldest events first and leading into the most recent. Avoid using generalized statements. For example, in a family court case do not write "he is a bad father." Rather, explain exactly why he is a bad father by using specific examples from events you saw first-hand. Never use examples from events you only heard about, as the court will dismiss the declaration due to lack of factual information.
-
-
3
Organize any documentation or evidence to support your statement. This may not be necessary for some statements; however, if you're writing a statement for small claims court or some other case where evidence is available, include copies of the evidence within the declaration package.
-
4
Obtain the appropriate declaration form from the court clerk where the case is being held. A court statement must be printed or written on the appropriate declaration form. Visit or call the court district where the case is located, and request a copy of a declaration, or official statement, form.
-
5
Write your official statement on the appropriate declaration form. If you do not have readable handwriting, type the declaration into the form. Most court districts offer these forms online through their official website.
-
6
Submit your finalized statement to the courts to the court district with any supporting documentation.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Contact the court district before finalizing the court statement, as some courts have a restriction regarding the statement length.
Do not knowingly include false information within the declaration statement, as this is considered perjury.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
