Affidavit Forms
Guidelines and Free Legal Templates

Affidavit forms generally follow a standard format and contain
similar elements in most jurisdictions, making it relatively simple to show you how to write an affidavit.

We've also created a variety of the most often used affidavit samples which you can use as templates to create your own documents.

Anyone can make an affidavit, provided such a person is mentally competent to do so, has knowledge or information about the facts presented and has the authority to do so (such as a parent or guardian making an affidavit on behalf of a minor).

Furthermore as there is no age restriction, even a child can make an affidavit IF the child is old enough to understand the facts contained therein and the significance of the oath.

What is an Affidavit - Definition of an Affidavit

An affidavit is a document that contains statements of fact made under oath by a person based upon:

• His/her personal knowledge of facts e.g. "I destroyed the documents...", or
• His/her information and belief e.g. "I was told by Mr. John Doe in his capacity as chairman that the documents were destroyed..."

Statements based on personal knowledge generally carry more weight than those based on information and belief.

An affidavit can consist of a single paragraph (single fact) or any number (unlimited) of paragraphs provided each paragraph contains a fact relevant to the situation.

There are many instances or purposes in everyday life for which you may be required to submit an affidavit. When used in court a sworn affidavit constitutes evidence under oath.

Review the legal guidelines further down on this page and use our step by step guidelines to assist you with creating your own or editing our sample affidavit forms.

How to Write an Affidavit and a General Affidavit Form - Step by Step guidelines

General Affidavit of Loss - Used to certify that an important document was lost and request a replacement. It can easily be used to describe the loss of any item e.g. driver license, passport, visa etc.
PDF | WordDoc

Affidavit of Domicile - To attest to the last legal residence of a deceased person. This affidavit can be done by the executor, heir or any other person who has an interest in the estate.
PDF | WordDoc

Affidavit of Residence - To certify residency as may be required by a local school, when opening accounts etc.
PDF | WordDoc

Affidavit of Guardianship - This document can be used by a Legal Guardian when enrolling a child for school, applying for a study loan etc. The space provided can be edited to specify any purpose for which you are making the affidavit.
PDF | WordDoc

Affidavit of Support

This form is required by immigration departments to prove a visitor will not become reliant on the State for financial support. Acceptable formats for this affidavit can be obtained at no cost from these official sites:

USA  -  UK  -  Canada  -  Australia

Affidavit of Loss of Motor Vehicle Documents - USA Example of an Affidavit

Sworn Affidavit Forms

In order to be legally valid, an affidavit must be signed and sworn to in the presence of a person authorized by law to administer oaths and to witness the swearing of affidavits such as a Notary Public, Commissioner of Oaths, Justice of the Peace, County Clerk, lawyer etc.

You will have to confirm under oath:

• That you know and understand the contents in your affidavit and that it is a true reflection of the facts;
• That you have no objection to taking the prescribed oath; and
• That this oath shall be binding on your conscience.

If you cannot or do not want to do it under oath (e.g. taking an oath is against a person's religious or other principles) you still have to sign your affidavit in front of an authorized person.

The only difference being that the wording of the attestation will change on the affidavit forms e.g. "Declaration under penalty of perjury" or a "Solemn declaration", rather than "Thus signed and sworn before me".

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