General legal information about contract terms in the UK, not legal advice.
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Counterparts

A counterparts clause allows each party to sign a separate copy of the contract, with all the signed copies together forming one agreement. It makes signing easier when parties are in different places.

Prepared by a retired English qualified solicitor (LLB, LLM) · reviewed · applies across the UK unless stated · how we draft

In more detail

Electronic signatures are generally valid for commercial contracts in the UK, which makes counterparts signing even simpler.

In Scotland

In Scotland, counterparts and electronic delivery are governed by the Legal Writings (Counterparts and Delivery) (Scotland) Act 2015.

Put it into a contract

Be Contract Wise provides very powerful, carefully prepared tools to draft and review simple or complex contracts under the law of England and Wales or Scots law, explaining every clause in plain English.

England & Wales appScotland app

Reviewed 2026-09-24. General legal information, not legal advice.