What if I realise my declaration contains a mistake?
Tell the recipient promptly and provide a corrected or supplementary statement. An honest error fixed quickly is very different from a lie.
Fix it as soon as you can. An honest error that you correct promptly is treated very differently from a false statement left in place.
Steps to take
- Write down exactly what was wrong and what is correct
- Contact whoever received the original
- Ask how they want the correction: a new full statement or a short supplementary one
- Make the correction in the same form as the original, with a witness if the original had one
Small slips
A misspelled street name or a date that is off by a day may only need a short correction letter. A wrong fact that matters to the outcome needs a formal fix.
Prevent it next time
Check dates against diaries, receipts or messages before you sign. Read the final version aloud. Ask someone you trust to read it for clarity, not to change your facts.
Our guide to writing a clear statement covers checking in detail. This is general information, not legal advice. Requirements depend on where you are and who asked for the document.