(1) Affidavits authorized or permitted under these rules, or in any statutory proceeding, shall be a written statement or declaration sworn to or affirmed before an officer authorized to take depositions by Rule 28. If a party is absent from the county, or mentally incapable of taking an oath, or physically unable to attend before an officer, his agent or attorney may make such affidavit, unless otherwise provided by these rules or any statute. Such an affidavit shall state the absence or incapacity of the party and the capacity of the affiant.

(2) Every affidavit shall be subscribed by the affiant; and the certificate of the officer or person before whom it is made shall be written separately, following the signature of the affiant, and shall be proof of the time and manner of the affidavit being made.