Wills, estates & power of attorney
Affidavit of Heirship (Next of Kin)
A sworn affidavit identifying the heirs or next of kin of a person who has died — used to help settle an estate. Fill it in online, download a ready-to-sign PDF, and notarize in Ontario. Obtain legal advice for estate matters.
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Also known as
- Next of Kin Affidavit
- Affidavit of Kinship
- Heirship Affidavit
+2 more names
- Sworn Statement of Heirs
- Declaration of Next of Kin
AFFIDAVIT OF HEIRSHIP
I, ______, of ______, in the Province of Ontario, MAKE OATH AND SAY (or AFFIRM) that:
I am the ______ of ______ (the "Deceased"), who died on ______.
At the time of death, the Deceased resided at ______.
The Deceased died ______.
The heirs and next of kin of the Deceased are: ______.
To the best of my knowledge there are no other persons entitled to share in the estate. Purpose of this affidavit (if stated):
I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing it to be true and knowing that it is of the same force and effect as if made under oath.
Signed and sworn (or affirmed/declared) before me by videoconference in Ottawa, Ontario, while the Affiant(s)/Declarant(s) were located in ______________________, on ______________________, pursuant to O. Reg. 431/20, and Electronic Commerce Act, 2000.
______________________________ | ______________________________ |
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- General template, not legal advice
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Affidavit of Heirship (Next of Kin)
A compact preview of this template
01Your Information
Your full legal name
Full legal name of the deceased
The deceased died
AFFIDAVIT OF HEIRSHIP
I, ______, of ______, in the Province of Ontario, MAKE OATH AND SAY (or AFFIRM) that:
I am the ______ of ______ (the "Deceased"), who died on ______.
At the time of death, the Deceased resided at ______.
The Deceased died ______.
The heirs and next of kin of the Deceased are: ______.
To the best of my knowledge there are no other persons entitled to share in the estate. Purpose of this affidavit (if stated):
I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing it to be true and knowing that it is of the same force and effect as if made under oath.
Signed and sworn (or affirmed/declared) before me by videoconference in Ottawa, Ontario, while the Affiant(s)/Declarant(s) were located in ______________________, on ______________________, pursuant to O. Reg. 431/20, and Electronic Commerce Act, 2000.
______________________________ | ______________________________ |
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Overview
About this document
- 01
What is an affidavit of heirship?
It is a sworn statement — also called a next of kin affidavit or affidavit of kinship — that sets out the deceased’s family and identifies the heirs, usually sworn by someone with knowledge of the family.
Institutions and registries may rely on it to understand who the heirs are when settling certain assets of an estate.
- 02
When you might need one
It supports estate and succession matters.
- Identifying the next of kin of someone who has died.
- Helping confirm who is entitled to share in an estate.
- Supporting the transfer of certain assets to the heirs.
- 03
Important — get legal advice
Estate law is complex. An affidavit of heirship supports an estate but does not by itself grant authority to administer it; that often requires a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee (probate) from the court. It does not override a valid will.
Because the consequences can be significant, obtain legal advice about administering the estate before relying on this affidavit.
- 04
How to notarize a affidavit of heirship in Ontario
After you fill in your affidavit of heirship and download the PDF, do not sign it in advance. A sworn document must be signed in front of a notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits, who administers your oath or solemn affirmation first.
Minute Notary commissions your affidavit of heirship online by secure video, under Ontario's remote commissioning rules (O. Reg. 431/20), or in person in Ottawa. Bring valid government-issued photo identification so we can verify your identity before applying the notary seal.
Good to know
Before you fill it in.
Short notes from our notary on this template. Worth a minute before you start.
- 01
Reviewed for use in Ontario by a notary public and commissioner for taking affidavits.
- 02
Fill it in online for free and download a ready-to-sign PDF — no account required.
- 03
Sign in front of the notary, who administers your oath or affirmation and applies the seal.
- 04
Notarize online by video across Ontario, or in person in Ottawa.
Frequently asked
Questions about the Affidavit of Heirship (Next of Kin)
- What is an affidavit of heirship used for?
- To identify, under oath, the heirs or next of kin of a person who has died, helping confirm who is entitled to share in an estate.
- Does it replace probate?
- No. It supports an estate but does not grant authority to administer it. That often requires a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee (probate) from the court.
- Should I get legal advice?
- Yes. Estate law is complex and the consequences are significant, so obtain legal advice about administering the estate before relying on this affidavit.
- Can I notarize it online in Ontario?
- Yes. You can swear it online by video under Ontario’s remote commissioning rules, or in person in Ottawa with Minute Notary.
Keep exploring
Related templates
Other documents for legacy & succession.
- 01Affidavit of Intestacy (No Will)
A sworn affidavit confirming that a person who died left no will (died intestate) — used to support administering the estate. Fill it in online, download a ready-to-sign PDF, and notarize in Ontario. Obtain legal advice for estate matters.
Fill it out - 02Affidavit of Domicile
A sworn affidavit confirming where a deceased person lived at the time of death — often required to transfer securities, accounts, or other estate assets. Fill it in online, download a ready-to-sign PDF, and notarize in Ontario.
Fill it out - 03Proof of Life Affidavit
A sworn affidavit confirming that you are alive — often required by pension and benefit providers, including those abroad, to continue payments. Fill it in online, download a ready-to-sign PDF, and notarize in Ontario.
Fill it out - 04Affidavit of Survivorship
A sworn affidavit by a surviving joint owner confirming the death of the other owner and the survivor’s right to the jointly held property — used to update title, accounts, or registrations. Fill it in online, download a ready-to-sign PDF, and notarize in Ontario.
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