1. The identification of the place where the affidavit was taken (i.e., the venue);
2. The signature of the affiant (i.e., the person giving the affidavit); and
3. The certificate evidencing the fact that the affidavit was properly made before a duly authorized officer (i.e. the jurat), which includes the proper authentication by the authorized officer.
It is essential to the validity of an affidavit that it be sworn to, or affirmed before, a notary public or some other officer authorized to administer oaths or affirmations. This may be done by having the officer administer the oath to the affiant or by having the affiant affirm to the officer, with the officer=s consent, the truth of the matters contained in the affidavit. It is also essential that the affiant be identified as to name, residence and, where appropriate or required by law, as to status or capacity. The following form may be used in most jurisdictions if properly completed.
The Maryland Affidavit of Desertion of Spouse is a legally binding document that is used in cases where one spouse believes that their partner has deserted them. This affidavit is an essential component of any divorce or legal separation proceedings in Maryland. Desertion, in the context of marriage, refers to the act of one spouse voluntarily leaving the marital home without a reasonable justification or consent from the other spouse. The spouse who stayed in the marital home may file an Affidavit of Desertion of Spouse to document the desertion and support their claims in court. This affidavit typically includes pertinent information such as the names and addresses of both spouses, the date of the alleged desertion, and a detailed account of the circumstances of the desertion. It is crucial to provide specific instances or incidents that demonstrate the voluntary nature of the spouse's departure and their absence from the marital home. In Maryland, there are different types of Affidavits of Desertion of Spouse, depending on the duration of the desertion: 1. Affidavit of Temporary Desertion: This type of affidavit is used when a spouse has left the marital home for a temporary period, without any intention of permanently ending the marriage. It is common for couples to go through ups and downs where one spouse might leave for a short period before returning. 2. Affidavit of Permanent Desertion: This type of affidavit is filed when a spouse has left the marital home with the clear intention of permanently ending the marriage. The filing spouse must provide substantial evidence to support their claim that the other spouse has deserted them without a reasonable cause for a continuous period. Filing an Affidavit of Desertion of Spouse is a crucial step towards initiating divorce or legal separation proceedings. It helps establish to the court that desertion has occurred and can have a significant impact on the distribution of assets, child custody, and spousal support decisions. It is essential to consult with an experienced family law attorney to ensure that the Affidavit of Desertion of Spouse is prepared accurately and includes all the necessary details and supporting evidence. The attorney can guide the filing spouse through the legal process and provide valuable advice on how to protect their rights and interests throughout the divorce proceedings. In summary, the Maryland Affidavit of Desertion of Spouse is a legal document used to prove that one spouse has deserted the other without a reasonable cause or consent. There are different types of affidavits, including those for temporary and permanent desertion. Seeking professional legal assistance is highly recommended ensuring the affidavit is prepared correctly and to navigate the complexities of divorce or legal separation proceedings effectively.
