An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court. To create an affidavit in Microsoft Word, you'll need a properly formatted template with specific sections.
Every affidavit contains these essential elements:
Open a new Word document and set up your page with these specifications:
| Element | Specification |
|---|---|
| Page size | 8.5" x 11" |
| Margins | 1" all around |
| Font | Times New Roman, 12pt |
| Line spacing | Double-spaced |
| Alignment | Left-aligned |
Many people confuse affidavits with other legal documents. An affidavit differs from a deposition in that it's a written statement rather than oral testimony. Also, unlike a contract, an affidavit doesn't require signatures from multiple parties - just the affiant and a notary.
When creating your Word template, avoid these formatting errors:
Here's a complete affidavit example in proper Word format:
AFFIDAVIT OF JANE DOE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2023-12345 JANE DOE, ) Plaintiff, ) v. ) JOHN SMITH, ) Defendant. ) STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF BROWARD JANE DOE, being first duly sworn, deposes and states: 1. My full name is Jane Doe. I am over the age of eighteen (18) and competent to testify. 2. I reside at 123 Main Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. 3. On or about January 1, 2023, I was involved in a motor vehicle accident... [Continue with numbered paragraphs detailing facts] I, the undersigned affiant, certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Florida that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on this ______ day of ________, 2023. _________________________ Jane Doe Affiant STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF BROWARD Subscribed and sworn to before me by Jane Doe, the person who executed the same, and who is personally known to me or who has produced [type of identification] as identification and who did take an oath. _________________________ [Notary Public] Notary Public My commission expires: ________
After completing your affidavit in Word, you'll need to have it notarized. The notary will verify your identity and administer an oath. Some states allow remote online notarization, while others require in-person appearances.
According to the National Notary Association, 36 states currently permit some form of remote online notarization. Always check your specific state's requirements before proceeding.