How to Write an Affidavite

There are various reasons why a person may seek to execute an affidavit. For instance, one may need an affidavit for a court filing or to apply for a benefit. This article provides an overview of how to write an affidavit.

Things You'll Need

• Services of a notary public

Instructions

How to Draft an Affidavit

1. Gather all pertinent facts relating to the purpose of the affidavit. For example, if the affidavit will be utilized to explain what one witnessed in a car accident, all of the facts about the accident such as the date, time, location must be included in the affidavit.

2. At the beginning of the affidavit, write a statement that one is making the affidavit under penalty of perjury and that the affidavit constitutes the individual's sworn testimony. Furthermore, include a statement that the information is within his or her personal knowledge and belief.

3. Provide a description of the facts provided in the affidavit. These facts should be clear and succinct; it is also recommended to number each of the different facts and/or paragraphs for easy reference.

4. After completing the information contained in the affidavit, include a signature line and the address of the person issuing the affidavit. Thereafter, include a line for a notary to witness the signature of the person making the affidavit. The notary's signature bust be accompanied by the statement, "Subscribed and sworn to me this [blank] date of [blank]." This statement should be located at the bottom of the page.

5. At this point, the affidavit is complete. The person who will sign the affidavit should review the contents of the affidavit prior to signing. In addition, the person signing must do so only in the presence of a notary public such that the notary public can sign and stamp the document.

Tips & Warnings

• Always sign an affidavit in the presence of a notary public.

References

• Lawhelp.org

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish