Legal Definitions - IFP affidavit

An IFP affidavit is a type of affidavit used in legal proceedings. It is also known as a poverty affidavit. It is a written statement of facts that is voluntarily made and sworn to by the person making it, before an authorized officer such as a notary public.

One example of an IFP affidavit is when an indigent person seeks public assistance, appointmentof counsel, waiver of court fees, or other free public services. Another example is when a person is seeking to have their case heard in court but cannot afford the fees associated with filing a lawsuit. In these cases, the person can submit an IFP affidavit to show that they are unable to pay the fees and should be allowed to proceed with their case without paying.

The use of IFP affidavits is common in pretrial matters such as summary-judgment motions. They are used to submit evidence and support a party's position in the case.