steph816 said:
we didn't put in any letters from friends or family in terms of a stat declaration....we just put in photos (lots of us with other people, not just the two of us), emails written between us and friends talking about our relationship (good times and bad- important to show the bad times), cards addressed to both of us (Christmas, wedding, engagement, etc...), invitations to weddings and parties addressed to both of us...(none of these docs were notarized, in fact, we didn't send in one piece of evidence that was! - just the marriage certificate) and that was ok for us.... I wouldn't worry too much if it isn't notarized, but it's better to be safe than sorry I guess. As long as you have enough evidence to show it's a real genuine relationship i'm sure you will be fine! good luck =)
But if you included a marriage certificate, then you don't need notarized letters since you applied as spouses. Common law and conjugal applications require notarized letters because these couples do not have the legal document married applicants have.
@Remrov, If you mother is willing great; don't worry about whether or not your father will or his parents. Ask someone else close to you who has knowledge of your relationship and/or your common law status. It could be your (or your boyfriend's) friend, sibling, cousin, landlord, neighbour, employer. The more the better, in my opinion, but I believe at least two of them must be notarized for all conjugal and common law applicants regardless of country of origin.
General information to ask folks to put in these letters include (I paraphrased this from the letter I sent to my friends and family asking for statutory declarations)...
1. A description of how they know you ...examples
I am a friend of XXX, I was a co-worker of XXX, I am the sister of XXX, etc
2. A description of how they became aware of your relationship, when they met the other partner, activities participated in together, knowledge of your living arrangements, etc
3. A statement to the effect that, in their judgement, you are in a real, loving, ongoing, genuine relationship based on their personal knowledge and experiences