These statutes show that a sworn declaration is just as effective as a notarized Affidavit. An affidavit is a written statement.A person, known as the affiant, swears under oath to the statement's truthfulness. An affidavit is a sworn statement of facts. Usually, this sworn statement is committed to a piece of paper. A sworn affidavit is made in the presence of a notary and under oath. Depending upon their use often these are subject to perjury if false. A notary public must use a certificate in substantially the following form in notarizing an attested copy. This is a formal statement from you that goes over the circumstances surrounding your loss as well as the scope of the loss. A financial affidavit is a sworn statement of your income, expenses, assets and liabilities.