Documents & drafting
Review execution requirements before relying on a document
Some documents need additional formalities such as stamp duty, witnesses, notarisation, registration, or professional review.
4 min readUpdated 4 August 2026
A signed document may still need other steps before it serves its intended purpose. Depending on the document and the applicable law or local practice, that can include correct stamping, witnesses, notarisation, registration, filing, or a prescribed format from the organization receiving it.
A practical review before execution
- 1Read the document's notes and identify the state, authority, or counterparty involved.
- 2Check whether the document or receiving organization calls for witnesses, stamp duty, notarisation, registration, or attachments.
- 3Confirm the people signing have the authority to do so and receive the same final version.
- 4Keep a copy of the signed document and relevant supporting records.