Can I sign an affidavit for someone else?

A person should swear to what they know. Ask the court's rules whether someone else's statement can be used and in what form.

Some forms require a notary and others allow an affirmation. Check the form your court requires.

Evidence

Affidavits and sworn statements

An affidavit is a written statement signed under oath. Because it is sworn, it should contain only what you personally know.

About 2 minread
General ideashold in most courts
Checked October 26, 2026educational only

The short version

In many courts an affirmation works the same way as an affidavit. Use the form your court requires and read it carefully before you sign.

Stick to what you know

Say what you saw, heard or did. Avoid guesses and general statements about other people.

Be specific

Give dates, places and names where you can. Specific statements are easier to check than vague ones.

Read before you sign

Only sign what is true. If something is wrong, fix it before you sign, not after.

Keep going

Your next step

NextWhat counts as evidence in court

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Last checked: October 26, 2026. This page covers general ideas that hold in most courts. Rules differ by state and by court, so look up the rules for yours.

Educational information only. Not legal advice, not a law firm, and no attorney-client relationship. Nothing here tells you what to do in your own case.