An affidavit is a written statement. A person, known as the affiant, swears under oath to the statement's truthfulness.These statutes show that a sworn declaration is just as effective as a notarized Affidavit. The purpose of a sworn statement, for any purpose, is to try to get the person making the statement to be honest, through the idea they could be prosecuted. Put simply, your motion is what you are asking the court to do. The affidavit is your explanation of why the court should do it. Affidavits: Require notarization and a formal oath. Once the sheriff serves the defendant, the sheriff will fill out a separate certificate of service or a sworn statement on the back of the summons copy. I,. being duly sworn, deposes and says under. (current legal name of applicant completing the affidavit).