What It Is an Affidavit?

 

An affidavit is a written statement where a person formally declares that the information they are providing is true under oath.

It is:

• Written

• Signed by the person making the statement (the “Affiant”)

• Sworn to be true

• Notarized to verify identity and confirm the oath was taken

An affidavit is used whenever someone needs to present facts in a legally recognized way — such as confirming ownership, identity, events, relationships, or other important information.

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Benefits of an Affidavit:

✔ Creates a Legally Recognized Statement

An affidavit turns your written statement into official legal evidence because it is made under oath and notarized.

✔ Strengthens Credibility

Since the affiant swears the information is true, affidavits carry more weight than regular written statements.

✔ Accepted by Courts & Agencies

Courts, government offices, banks, title companies, and insurance providers regularly rely on affidavits to verify facts.

✔ Provides Clarity & Documentation

Affidavits help simplify processes by clearly documenting essential facts — such as identity, ownership, or family relationships.

✔ Useful When No Other Record Exists

They can serve as evidence when formal documents are missing, lost, or were never created.

✔ Helps Avoid Court Testimony

Because an affidavit is sworn evidence, it can sometimes replace the need for in-person testimony.

✔ Fast, Simple & Convenient

With a notary (including Remote Online Notary), affidavits can be completed quickly — making them ideal for urgent or time-sensitive matters.

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Common Uses

 

• Affidavits are used in many legal, financial, and personal situations.
  Some of the most common uses include:

• ✔ Estate & Probate Matters

• Affidavit of Heirship

• Affidavit of Death

• Affidavit of Small Estate

• Affidavit confirming family relationships

• Affidavit identifying personal property

• ✔ Identity & Personal Verification

• Affidavit of Identity

• Affidavit of Name Change

• One-and-the-Same Affidavit (aka Name Affidavit)

• Affidavit of Residence or Domicile

• ✔ Property & Real Estate

• Affidavit of Ownership

• Affidavit of Title

• Affidavit of Non-Use (vehicle)

• Affidavit of Occupancy for mortgage or refinance

• Affidavit of Lost Deed or Documents

• ✔ Financial & Business Purposes

• Affidavit of Income

• Affidavit of Support

• Affidavit for financial hardship

• Affidavit confirming business ownership or authority

• ✔ Legal Proceedings

• Affidavit of Service (proving documents were delivered)

• Affidavit of Truth/Testimony

• Affidavit confirming facts in a dispute

• Affidavit used instead of live testimony

• ✔ Family Law & Personal Situations

• Affidavit of Custody

• Affidavit of Paternity

• Affidavit regarding school enrollment

• Affidavit confirming child’s address or guardianship

• ✔ When Records Are Missing

• Affidavits can replace missing paperwork such as:

• Lost titles

• Lost receipts

• Missing contracts

• Unavailable government records

• They serve as a legally sworn statement when no other documentation exists.

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Does It Need to Be Notarized?

 

Yes — in most cases.
In Nevada, affidavits must be notarized to be considered valid and enforceable.
A notary public confirms your identity, witnesses your signature, and administers the oath or affirmation — ensuring the document meets legal standards.
Without notarization, your affidavit may not be accepted by courts, banks, or government agencies.

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