Acknowledgment a declaration that is made before an official (example: notary public) that under the person's free act and deed he did execute the instrument Administrator One of an estate is appointed by the court (usually Surrogate's or supreme court) which empowers him to manage the affairs of the decedent (dead person). The court appoints an administrator where a person dies without leaving a will, or leaves a will without naming an executor Affiant An affidavit (a sworn to or affirmed written statement) is signed by a person called the affiant Affidavit Is a signed statement that is sworn to by the person signing it. An affidavit is sworn to in front of a notary public or other officer w/ authority to administer an oath Affirmation A person who does not want to take an oath (because of religious, ethical or other reasons) may affirm as to the truthfulness of his statements. The act of affirming is called affirmation. An affirmation is just as binding as an oath. Apostile An apostle is an authentication of a notarized document or county clerk certified document. It is issued by the Department of State. It is attached to the document and may be used internationally. Attest To attest is to be present at the execution of a written instrument and also to subscribe (sign) the written instrument as a witness to the execution of the instrument. Attestation Clause As it refers to wills, an attestation clause is the written portion at the end of a will where the witnesses attest that the will was executed in front of them and also state the procedural manner of the execution of the will.