What is an affidavit?

An affidavit is a written declaration made under oath, which means it is a formal statement that a person swears to be true before an authorized official, such as a notary public. This legal document is often used in court proceedings or for other legal purposes to confirm the truthfulness of the information contained within it. Because it is sworn to be true, any false statements within an affidavit can lead to legal consequences, such as perjury charges.

The other options do not accurately represent the nature of an affidavit. An informal statement lacks the formalities and legal repercussions associated with an affidavit. A type of property deed refers specifically to documents that convey ownership of real estate, which is distinct from the purpose of an affidavit. A legal contract involves an agreement between parties regarding specific terms, which is different from the act of making a sworn declaration that an affidavit entails.