GUIDELINES FOR COMPLETING AFFIDAVITS 

• DMH 142 is the Affidavit used for mental health and alcohol and drug involuntary commitments and is executed under oath. 
• “RESPONDENT” means the person who is the subject of the involuntary detention proceedings. 
• Begin your Affidavit by identifying your relationship to the respondent. 
• An Affidavit should address issues of mental disorder or alcohol/drug abuse and likelihood of serious harm 
• Generally, an Affidavit should answer the questions: who, what, when, where, and how. 
• Describe those behaviors and statements which suggest the person may be mentally disordered or an alcohol and/or drug abuser. 
• Describe those behaviors and statements that suggest the person may be harmful to himself or others. 
• Statements should be concise and to the point. 
• Witnessed behaviors should be included if possible. 
• Peace Officer Affidavits are based on the officer’s own personal observations or investigations. 
• Write only on the front of the Affidavit form. 
• Affidavits must be notarized. 
• The Affidavit becomes part of the court file and medical record which are accessible to the individual if the individual requests to see it. There is no guarantee of confidentiality. 
• Some probate courts may require more than one Affidavit in certain situations or may have other or additional requirements.