What is an affidavit?

• A. A casual written statement
• B. A written sworn statement of facts voluntarily made under oath or affirmation, typically notarized
• C. A brief contract
• D. A title of ownership document

Answer: (B)

An affidavit is a written declaration of facts that is sworn to under oath or affirmation and is typically notarized. The oath gives the statement formal credibility for use in legal proceedings, and the notarization certifies the identity of the signer and that the oath or affirmation was administered properly. It is usually prepared by the person making the statement (the deponent) and signed in the presence of an authorized official who administers the oath.

Affidavits are used to present verified facts to a court or administrative body, often to support motions, establish facts like residency or ownership, or authenticate documents. The information should come from the deponent’s own knowledge or information they reasonably believe to be true, and false statements can carry penalties for perjury.

This isn’t a casual written statement, a contract, or a title document. It’s a formal, sworn statement intended to carry evidentiary weight because it’s given under oath and usually authenticated by a notary or similar official.