What is an affidavit?

An affidavit is a written statement that is confirmed by the oath or affirmation of the individual making the statement, known as the affiant. This means that the affiant has sworn to the truth of the contents of the document before a notary public or other authorized official. The use of oaths or affirmations in the context of affidavits confirms the reliability and truthfulness of the statement, giving it legal weight in court or other legal proceedings.

Affidavits can be used in various legal contexts, such as providing testimony in civil cases, supporting motions, or establishing facts. The legal requirement for the statement to be made under oath distinguishes affidavits from other written documents, enhancing their credibility and usefulness in legal situations.

In contrast, other options do not accurately define an affidavit. A formal notification of a legal dispute refers to legal documents like summons or complaints, while a type of notarized contract pertains to agreements that may or may not include affidavits. Lastly, a record of a notary's fees is unrelated to the definition of an affidavit, as it pertains to the notary's business practices rather than a statement of facts confirmed by oath.