Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

Civil partnership definition

What does Civil partnership mean? A civil partnership is a legally recognised relationship formed by registration that gives a couple rights and obligations broadly equivalent to marriage, including in property ownership, succession, pensions, tax treatment, immigration status and parental responsibility. It is commonly used as an alternative to marriage in family, private client and pensions practice. In England and Wales and in Northern Ireland, civil partnerships are created and dissolved under the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (as amended). Since 2019–2020, both same-sex and opposite-sex couples may register. In Scotland, civil partnerships are governed by the 2004 Act as adapted and the Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2020;...

Form and Validity of Wills: Drafting, Execution, Attestation, Witness Competency and Related Issues (England and Wales)

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Practice notes

Format of a Will

There is no mandatory template for a Will, yet long-standing practice has shaped a reliable structure. Though drafting styles vary, the usual sequence of clauses is broadly uniform, aiding comprehension, reducing the risk of omissions, and enabling consistent use of technology to produce Wills.

opening and revocation
declarations (domicile, funeral wishes, etc)
appointment of executors and trustees
appointment of guardians
general legacies
specific legacies and devises
residuary gifts
powers of executors and trustees
attestation

Not every clause appears in every case, but following this core pattern helps the draftsperson ensure that everything intended for the Will is included.

Opening and revocation

The first sentence identifies the testator by name and address, and all aliases should be recorded. However, this can create difficulties if the only name the testator commonly uses or is known by is supplemented...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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