1. The identification of the place where the affidavit was taken (i.e., the venue);
2. The signature of the affiant (i.,e., the person giving the affidavit); and
3. The certificate evidencing the fact that the affidavit was properly made before a duly authorized officer (i.e. the jurat), which includes the proper authentication by the authorized officer. It is essential to the validity of an affidavit that it be sworn to, or affirmed before, a notary public or some other officer authorized to administer oaths or affirmations. This may be done by having the officer administer the oath to the affiant or by having the affiant affirm to the officer, with the officers consent, the truth of the matters contained in the affidavit. It is also essential that the affiant be identified as to name, residence and, where appropriate or required by law, as to status or capacity. This is ordinarily done in the introductory paragraph to the affidavit.
The following form is a very basic and general form which can be used in most jurisdictions if properly completed.
A New York General or Common Law Affidavit is a legal document used to present sworn statements or evidence in court proceedings in the state of New York. An affidavit is a written statement made under oath, and it holds significant weight as it is considered evidence and can be used to support or challenge claims in a lawsuit. In the context of New York law, a General Affidavit can be used to address a broad range of legal matters. It is typically used when there is no specific form or format required for a particular situation, making it a flexible option. A General Affidavit can be employed in various situations, such as providing factual information, confirming personal details, or verifying certain events or actions. It allows individuals to present their side of the story or provide evidence crucial to their case. A Common Law Affidavit, on the other hand, pertains specifically to legal matters based on common law principles. Common law refers to the body of customary law developed over time through court decisions rather than legislative statutes. This type of affidavit can be relevant when dealing with legal issues that are not codified by statutes but instead rely on precedent and well-established legal principles. A Common Law Affidavit often serves as a means to prove the existence of a contract, waiver, or other formal agreements that may not be explicitly stated in written form. It is important to note that the use of Common Law Affidavits may vary depending on the context and specific requirements of a case. Some legal professionals may opt to use this term to highlight the reliance on common law principles, while others may use General Affidavits in cases that would traditionally fall under the common law realm. In summary, a New York General or Common Law Affidavit is a legal document used in court proceedings to present facts, evidence, or sworn statements. While the General Affidavit allows for flexibility in format and application, a Common Law Affidavit focuses on legal matters governed by common law principles. Both types serve as valuable tools to present information and substantiate claims in legal proceedings in the state of New York.A New York General or Common Law Affidavit is a legal document used to present sworn statements or evidence in court proceedings in the state of New York. An affidavit is a written statement made under oath, and it holds significant weight as it is considered evidence and can be used to support or challenge claims in a lawsuit. In the context of New York law, a General Affidavit can be used to address a broad range of legal matters. It is typically used when there is no specific form or format required for a particular situation, making it a flexible option. A General Affidavit can be employed in various situations, such as providing factual information, confirming personal details, or verifying certain events or actions. It allows individuals to present their side of the story or provide evidence crucial to their case. A Common Law Affidavit, on the other hand, pertains specifically to legal matters based on common law principles. Common law refers to the body of customary law developed over time through court decisions rather than legislative statutes. This type of affidavit can be relevant when dealing with legal issues that are not codified by statutes but instead rely on precedent and well-established legal principles. A Common Law Affidavit often serves as a means to prove the existence of a contract, waiver, or other formal agreements that may not be explicitly stated in written form. It is important to note that the use of Common Law Affidavits may vary depending on the context and specific requirements of a case. Some legal professionals may opt to use this term to highlight the reliance on common law principles, while others may use General Affidavits in cases that would traditionally fall under the common law realm. In summary, a New York General or Common Law Affidavit is a legal document used in court proceedings to present facts, evidence, or sworn statements. While the General Affidavit allows for flexibility in format and application, a Common Law Affidavit focuses on legal matters governed by common law principles. Both types serve as valuable tools to present information and substantiate claims in legal proceedings in the state of New York.