An affidavit is a sworn statement of fact signed by the author, witnesses and an officer of the court, usually a notary public. During estate planning affidavits are often used to satisfy the legal requirements of different entities requiring information regarding the will without having to reveal all of the details of the will. For example, if the bank requires information regarding the last will and testament in order to fund a living trust, an attorney or estate planner can prepare an affidavit listing only the pertinent information required by the bank such as creation date, trustee, etc. The private information of the will remains in the hands of the estate planner and author. An affidavit can also be used for court filing purposes. These are often referred to as affidavit of trust or memorandum of trust.