Affidavit

An affidavit is a statement made voluntarily in writing. The party writing and signing it declares the facts stated to be true, and confirms this under oath. The affidavit needs to be signed before someone who is empowered to administer oaths, e.g. a solicitor.

What is their purpose?

They’re used when someone needs to give evidence. In plain English, you are basically saying that you swear that the statement written in the affidavit is, in fact, true.

Make sure that the contents of any affidavit are truthful, because if not, you could find yourself in trouble for committing perjury.