Free Affidavit Forms

Affidavit Forms

An affidavit is a sworn written statement where a person, known as the affiant, declares that the information they provide is true and accurate under penalty of perjury. It’s commonly used in legal cases or official matters to confirm facts when in-person testimony isn’t possible. The affidavit is typically signed in front of a notary public.

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Last updated May 18th, 2025

An affidavit is a sworn written statement where a person, known as the affiant, declares that the information they provide is true and accurate under penalty of perjury. It’s commonly used in legal cases or official matters to confirm facts when in-person testimony isn’t possible. The affidavit is typically signed in front of a notary public.

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Affidavit of Character – A statement vouching for someone’s honesty and integrity—often used in court or during job applications.

Affidavit of Correction – Used to fix mistakes on official documents like a vehicle title or other government records.

Affidavit for Court – A way to provide sworn written testimony as part of a legal case.

Affidavit of Domestic Partnership – Confirms a committed relationship between two unmarried people, commonly used when applying for benefits like health insurance.

Affidavit of Domicile – Helps transfer ownership of stocks or assets from someone who has passed away.

Affidavit of Employment – Verifies a person’s job status, including role, income, and whether they work full- or part-time.

Affidavit of Financial Disclosure – Used when two people agree not to exchange financial details before signing a prenuptial or marital agreement.

Affidavit of Forgery – A sworn statement declaring that a signature was faked or forged.

Affidavit of Heirship – Used to identify the rightful heirs when someone passes away without a will.

Affidavit of Identity – Confirms who someone is—commonly required when there’s a need to verify a person’s identity officially.

Affidavit of Name Change – Confirms that someone has legally changed their name.

Affidavit of Paternity – Helps establish a child’s biological father, often used during adoption or custody cases.

Affidavit of Residence – A sworn declaration that verifies where someone lives, often used for school, tax, or court matters.

Affidavit of Service – Proves that legal documents were properly delivered from one party to another.

Affidavit of Successor Trustee – Used when a co-owner of a property or a trustee passes away, allowing a new person to step in.

Affidavit (Certificate) of Trust – Confirms the existence of a trust and provides basic details without revealing the full trust document.

Self-Proving Affidavit – Adds extra legal weight to a will by confirming it was properly signed and witnessed, helping avoid disputes later.

Small Estate Affidavit – Lets someone claim the assets of a person who died without a will—if the estate is below a certain value set by the state.

What Is an Affidavit?

An affidavit is a written statement where someone swears that what they say is true, under oath. It’s often used in legal situations when a person can’t testify in person. Once signed and notarized, an affidavit holds the same legal weight as speaking under oath in court.

The person signing the affidavit is called the deponent, and they’re putting their name behind the facts they’re sharing. Because affidavits can have a serious legal impact, it’s often smart to check in with a lawyer—especially if it’s part of a court case.

 

Real-Life Examples of When You Might Use an Affidavit

  • You’re applying for a visa and need to prove a family relationship.
  • A friend needs a character reference for a court hearing.
  • You’re claiming ownership of property left behind by a relative who didn’t leave a will.
  • You need to clarify a clerical error on your child’s birth certificate.
  • You’re a small business owner proving your income for a lease application.

 

How to Write an Affidavit (4 Simple Steps)

  1. Reflect on What Happened

    Before writing, take a moment to think clearly about the facts. Try to recall the details correctly and jot down anything important.

 

  1. Describe the Events Clearly

    Type out your statement with care—be honest, specific, and avoid exaggeration. Remember, this is a legal document, and false information could lead to serious consequences.

 

  1. Review with a Legal Expert

    If you’re unsure whether your affidavit says things the right way—or if it could affect a legal matter—it’s wise to get a lawyer’s opinion.

 

  1. Get It Notarized

    Your affidavit must be signed and notarized to be considered official. This can usually be done at a bank, law office, or online through a notary service.

 

Additional Tips

  • Format matters: Courts often prefer that affidavits be typed, not handwritten. Use a standard font and keep it neat.
  • Keep a copy: Always keep a signed and notarized copy for your records.
  • Be honest: False information in an affidavit can lead to perjury charges, fines, or even jail time.
  • Title the affidavit clearly: Give it a heading like Affidavit of Identity or Affidavit of Support to reflect its purpose.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do affidavits need to be notarized?
Yes—most courts require affidavits to be signed before a notary public or court clerk. This verifies your identity and confirms that you signed under oath.

What’s the difference between an affidavit and a sworn statement?
A sworn statement is broader and might not always be notarized. An affidavit is a specific type of sworn statement that must be notarized to carry legal weight.

Where do I file an affidavit?
File it with the local district court handling your legal matter. If you’re unsure where that is, a clerk at your nearest courthouse can help.

Who can sign an affidavit?
Anyone swearing to the statement’s truth can sign—usually someone over 18. In some cases, minors may sign, depending on the situation and local laws.

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