The affidavit's signed and sworn. It's powerful — names a third party, references a bank account, repeats personal medical history. None of that can go to the other side as-is, but the substance must remain. You're redacting on a deadline.
The trick is to remove identifying information without gutting the evidential content.
Preserve the original first
Save the sworn original to a read-only folder. Hash it if your firm logs evidence. Work on a copy with a clear suffix (`_REDACTED_v1`). If the partner asks for revisions, work on `v2`, `v3` — never overwrite the previous redacted version. You'll thank yourself if a discrepancy ever needs reconciling.
What to redact in a typical affidavit
Third-party names that aren't material to the issues. Account numbers, sort codes, social security or national insurance numbers. Home addresses (unless materially relevant), phone numbers, dates of birth. Medical history beyond what's necessary. Children's names. Anything that identifies a non-party who hasn't consented.
What to keep
Substantive evidence — dates of events, descriptions of what was said and done, the deponent's own details (they've already identified themselves by swearing the affidavit). Don't redact whole paragraphs because they contain a name; redact the name and leave the paragraph. Over-redaction draws challenge from the other side.
Applying redactions properly
Use redact PDF so the text and image data behind the redaction marks is removed, not just covered. After export, select text in the redacted regions to confirm nothing copies out. Add a redaction note to the document footer (e.g. "Redacted in accordance with CPR PD 31B paragraph 14") so the basis for redaction is on the face of the file.
FAQ
Should I redact the deponent's own details?
Generally no — they've identified themselves by swearing. Their address and occupation are typically part of the affidavit's preamble and stay in.
Can I redact for relevance as well as privacy?
Yes, but be cautious — relevance redactions are more often challenged. Note the basis (e.g. legal professional privilege, irrelevance) on the face of the document.
Do I need to preserve the unredacted version?
Yes — the court may order disclosure of unredacted copies in chambers. Keep the original safe and version your redacted copies clearly.
What if a party challenges my redactions?
Be prepared to produce the unredacted original to the court for in-camera review. Your version control and redaction log make this straightforward.
A clean affidavit redaction protects third parties without weakening the evidence. Use Flint's redact tool, version every copy, and the file holds up to scrutiny.