Affiant

What affiant means

In short, affiant is a term you will meet in court papers, rules and legal research. The definition above gives its usual meaning in American civil practice. However, the exact meaning can depend on the rule, statute or court decision that uses it. So it helps to read the term in context.

Where affiant comes up

The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.

Read the source: Affidavit.

How to research the term

First, read the term where it actually appears. A rule, statute or court decision may define it for its own purposes. Next, check whether your court has a local rule that uses affiant in a special way. Then look at recent decisions from courts in your jurisdiction. They show how judges apply the term today. Also, remember that state law can differ from federal law. For that reason, use our state procedures guide to find your state’s rules. Finally, confirm every source is current before you rely on it.

You can read the current federal court rules online for free.

Related legal terms

• Administrator: a person a court appoints to manage and settle the estate of someone who died without a valid will, or whose will names no executor able to serve. The term also refers to an official who runs a government agency or program, such as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration.
• Admiralty: the body of law governing maritime matters such as ships, cargo and navigable waters, and the jurisdiction of courts over those cases.
• Admission: a statement acknowledging that something is true.
• Admit: to acknowledge that something is true, or to allow something in.

Why precise terms matter

Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.