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What is an affidavit? A written statement by a person which is sworn to be true, it is an oath that what they say is the truth. An affidavit is a document which will be used along with witness statements to prove the truthfulness of a certain statement in court. This personal knowledge can also include
personal opinion rather than fact however, it must
be stated that this is simply an opinion. Anyone can offer an affidavit so long as they
have the mental capacity to understand its contents
to be true. An individual making a false affidavit commits contempt of court. Affidavits can strengthen grounds of a claim or a complaint where no other evidence is available, or when a bailiff places a complainant or claimant on "strict proof" of an allegation or claim made against him. Essentially an affidavit can be a required piece
of documentation to settle any dispute before a
court. They are better written in plain English rather than legal jargon. Refrain from making personal comments about another party to the action. Affidavits must be signed in the presence of a solicitor, a commissioner of oaths notary public or other judicial officer. They will usually be entitled to charge a fee for swearing the affidavit but if this is done at the court the proceedings take place, there will be no charge.
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