Rule 214.Verification

Rule 214 is a single sentence, and it does two things.

What a verification is

A verification authorized or permitted under these rules or by law must be a written statement or declaration by a party or the party's attorney of record, sworn to or affirmed before an officer authorized to take depositions by Rule 411 — or otherwise complying with Idaho Code section 9-1406 and Rule 411 — that the affiant believes the facts stated to be true.

The standard is belief, not knowledge

That is the operative phrase. A verification ordinarily attests to belief in the truth of the facts, not personal knowledge of them — which is why an attorney of record may verify. The rule then adds the exception: unless a verification upon personal knowledge is required. Where another rule demands that higher standard, belief will not do.

Where verification is required

Rule 213(a) says a pleading generally need not be verified. The requirement appears where a rule imposes it — Rule 201(b)(1)'s sworn civil protection order petition, Rule 201(e)'s verified fee-waiver application. Read alongside Rule 114(b), which provides that an affidavit includes a written certification or declaration made under Idaho Code Title 9, an unnotarized declaration under penalty of perjury will generally satisfy a verification requirement.