Unlike specific affidavits tailored for service of process or name changes, this document is a 'catch-all' tool utilized in a wide array of legal, business, and personal scenarios where no specific form exists. It serves as written testimony, carrying the same weight as oral testimony given in a court of law.
When executing a General Affidavit, the individual making the statement (the Affiant) lists specific facts they know to be true based on their personal knowledge. This document must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public or another authorized official to ensure its validity. Common uses include verifying details for insurance claims, confirming the loss of a document, stating facts in a divorce or custody proceeding, or formally notifying a business entity of a specific event. Because it is a sworn document, lying on a General Affidavit constitutes perjury, which is a criminal offense.