A statutory declaration is a legal document that contains a written statement about something that is true. It is similar to a statement made under oath, but it is not sworn. It is a formal statement made affirming that something is true to the best knowledge of the person making the declaration. Statutory declarations are generally used to satisfy a legal requirement or regulation when no other such evidence is available. They can be used to confirm personal details, financial matters, health matters, and evidence for sick leave. Statutory declarations need to be completely truthful and accurate, and they must be signed in the presence of an authorized witness, such as a solicitor, commissioner for oaths, or notary public.

In some cases, a statutory demand may be sent to an individual by a creditor as a formal demand for debt. The demand should contain certain information, such as the individuals details and those of the creditor, and information about the debt the creditor is claiming. The individual has 18 or 21 days to reply to the statutory demand, depending on what they want to do. If the individual fails to pay the debt, fails to come to an arrangement acceptable to the creditor, and/or fails to apply to have the demand set aside (in the case of an individual), the demand can be used to support a bankruptcy or winding petition on the grounds that the debtor is unable to pay its debts.