An affidavit is a formal written statement which the person making the statement solemnly promises is true.
Affidavits are important legal documents that come in many different types and are used in many different ways.
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The person making the statement is usually known as the affiant.
The solemn promise must be made in the presence of a witness who is authorized by law to receive that promise. Affidavits are most commonly made before a notary public.
Finally the affidavit must be signed by both the person making the statement and the witness, each in the other’s presence.
The solemn promise the person making the statement makes can either be a religious promise known as an oath or (in most legal systems) a more modern, non-religious alternative to an oath called an affirmation.
In both cases, penalties apply if a person deliberately makes a false affidavit. The penalties can range from a fine to imprisonment. It is therefore very important that your affidavit contains the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
If you would like to read more about the legal definition of an affidavit, you can do so here.
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