General legal information about contract terms in the UK, not legal advice.
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Probative (self-proving) document

In Scotland, a document signed by the granter in front of one witness, who adds their name and address, is probative: it is presumed to have been validly signed.

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

In more detail

Probative documents can be registered in the Books of Council and Session and, if they contain consent to registration for execution, enforced without a court action.

In Scotland

This is a Scottish concept under the Requirements of Writing (Scotland) Act 1995; in England and Wales the closest equivalent is a deed.

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.