What is an "affidavit"?

A written statement confirmed by oath defines an affidavit accurately. This document serves as a means for individuals to present facts in a formal way, often used in legal settings. When someone swears or affirms the truthfulness of their written statement in front of a notary public or other authorized official, it is granted legal weight and can be used as evidence in court.

Affidavits are pivotal in legal procedures because they allow individuals to provide their testimony without necessarily appearing in person, streamlining judicial processes. This contrasts with other types of legal documentation; for instance, oral testimony relies on spoken statements and may not always be documented, while contracts establish agreements without involving oaths. Similarly, legal documents guaranteeing payment are often one-time agreements rather than formal statements of fact.