On November 21, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law a measure that quietly but powerfully reshapes civil practice in New York. The amendment to CPLR Rule 2106 allows any person, wherever they may be, to affirm the truth of a statement under penalty of perjury, with the same force and effect as a notarized affidavit. The act took effect immediately.
Now, pursuant to CPLR § 2106, affirmations may be used with the same force and effect as an affidavit, a certificate, a response to a notice to admit, an answer to interrogatories, a verification of a pleading, a bill of particulars, and any other sworn statement. See N.Y. S.B. S8195, 2025–2026 Reg. Sess. (N.Y. 2025).
For clients and practitioners alike, this is more than a technical tweak. It is a recognition that the pace of information today demands both flexibility and validation. In an era where documents move at the speed of email and litigation strategy often hinges on rapid response, requiring notarization for routine affirmations has been a persistent bottleneck. Clients have had to track down notaries, schedule appointments, and navigate logistical hurdles for what were often straightforward statements.
By expanding the scope of permissible affirmations, the law eases that burden. Now, a client can affirm a statement from anywhere, without the added step of notarization, so long as they acknowledge the penalties of perjury under New York law. For attorneys, this means fewer delays in securing sworn statements, verifications, or responses to discovery. For clients, it means less friction in participating in their own case.
This change also reflects a broader trend: the legal system adapting to the realities of digital practice. Efficiency and nimbleness are not luxuries—they are necessities. Law firms are expected to move quickly, to pivot strategically, and to deliver value without unnecessary procedural drag. Allowing affirmations in lieu of notarizations aligns with that expectation, giving practitioners the tools to keep pace with the demands of modern litigation.
It is also a reminder that the law can evolve thoughtfully. By preserving the seriousness of sworn statements, as affirmations still carry the weight of perjury penalties, while removing outdated barriers, New York has struck a balance between integrity and practicality.
This change benefits Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani’s clients by reducing barriers to providing sworn statements, enabling a more efficient and streamlined legal process, and aligns with the firm’s commitment to maintaining high standards while embracing innovation. In doing so, it further advances GRSM’s goal of creating a responsive, efficient, and client-centered legal environment.