Most of us have heard of €affidavit' but not many understand the meaning and purpose of it People often get confused the moment they see the word €affidavit' and don't really understand what is it be done and where to get one from.

What is an Affidavit?
A document with an accompanying sworn oath is called an Affidavit. Affidavit requires a person who is supposed to swear under the oath and is called an Affiant. The document is signed in the presence of an official who holds the authority to give sworn oaths. This person is then supposed to notarize the document which means that the signature was done in his presence and the document will act valid if presented in court.

Is an Affidavit valid without the notarization?
No, the document will be considered valid only when a licensed notary public, a court recorder, judge or any other person with the same authority signs the document.

How many types of Affidavits are there?
There are numerous types of Affidavits. Some are used in loan signing for instance signature Affidavits, occupancy Affidavits and a financial status affidavit. Also, affidavit of support is required when one wish to bring a relative to the United States. Then there is an affidavit of citizenship which is to be presented in case a person loses either his/her passport or birth certificates, or may be both.

There are several other types of affidavits such as affidavit of death, affidavit of residence, affidavit of domicile, affidavit of service, affidavit of name change and many more.

How to Prepare an Affidavit?
One can write or frame the wordings of an affidavit any way, but is always good to consult an attorney as the document is to be used as a legal proof and should follow certain language constraints. It is also advised not to ask your notary public to create a document for you as many states have installed restrictions which dictate what a notary public is allowed to do and what not.

Where to get an Affidavit notarized?
It is advised that you either visit your local notary bureau or call the mobile notary public in your region. A mobile notary can travel to your place and do the notarization without you having to worry about it. A mobile or travel notary is extremely useful in cases where the affiant is an elderly, bed-ridden or disabled person who would otherwise face difficulty visiting a notary office.