Q&A: An Oath for Receiving an Inheritance
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
An Oath for Receiving an Inheritance
Question
Hello Rabbi Michael,
In order to receive my aunt’s estate, I was required to sign a document stating that I swear to a number of facts regarding her details and my relationship to her. The document is a kind of legal document used in England.
My question is whether I am allowed to sign such a document, or whether I should insist on declarative wording (“Declare”).
Best regards,
Answer
If it is possible to use declarative wording, that is of course preferable. If not, you may sign.
Discussion on Answer
That is more severe, but my answer still stands. Meaning, it is even more worthwhile to try to obtain declarative wording. Still, if you cannot obtain it, you may swear.
It is possible that the signing will need to be done in the presence of a lawyer here in Israel, before whom we would have to swear orally.
Would it still be permitted in that case, if they insist on an oath, to sign and swear orally?
Or is it more severe when the oath is spoken aloud?