What is an 'Affidavit' or 'Declaration'?
A simple definition of a sworn written statement.
An affidavit is a written statement of facts that you voluntarily make under oath or affirmation. It is used to present factual information to a court without having to give live testimony in a hearing.
When you sign an affidavit, you are swearing that the statements in it are true to the best of your knowledge. For this reason, an affidavit must typically be signed in the presence of a notary public or another official authorized to administer oaths.
Declarations are funtionally the same as affidavits, but declarations are not notarized.