Deed: Difference between revisions

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{{g}}A [[deed]], also known as an [[indenture]], is a written legal agreement that has been signed and [[Deliver|delivered]] and which is enforceable even in the absence of [[consideration]]. There are formal requirements for it to be executed.
{{g}}A [[deed]] is a written legal agreement that has been signed and [[Deliver|delivered]] and which is enforceable even in the absence of [[consideration]]. There are formal requirements for it to be executed. Deeds between two or more parties are called [[indenture]]s. A unilateral deed is called a [[deed poll]]. Etymology corner: Originally, an [[indenture]] between more than one party had a physical “indentation” or “serration” along one edge of the document, whereas that pages of a deed signed by just one person were cut straight (or “polled”) — thus a “[[deed poll]]”.
 
Deeds are required by statute for some types of contract, including:
*'''Real estate''': conveyances of land<ref>Section 52, [[Law of Property Act 1925]].<ref>
*'''Security''': [[mortgage]]s.<ref>Section 101(1) and 104(1), [[Law of Property Act 1925]].<ref>
*'''[[Power of attorney|Powers of attorney]]'': powers of attorney;
*'''Trusts''': The appointment or discharge of a [[trustee]];
*'''No [[consideration]]''': At [[common law]]<ref>''Halsbury’s Laws of England'' (2012) vol 32 ''Deeds and other Instruments'' para 213.</ref> any legally binding agreement for which one party does not provide [[consideration]].


Originally, an [[indenture]] was identified by physical indentation or serration of one edge of the document — the edges had not been cut straight (or “polled”) as they would be if it had been executed by just one party, and was thus a “[[deed poll]]”.
===Signed, Sealed, [[Deliver|Delivered]] - I'm yours===
===Signed, Sealed, [[Deliver|Delivered]] - I'm yours===
Is a Stevie Wonder song which correctly, if figuratively, uses legal concept. More about that [[Signed, Sealed, Delivered|here]].
Is a Stevie Wonder song which correctly, if figuratively, uses legal concept. More about that [[Signed, Sealed, Delivered|here]].
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{{sa}}
{{sa}}
*[https://www.lawcom.gov.uk/project/electronic-execution-of-documents Law commission consultation on electronic execution] has a good overview of the existing law relating to deeds.
*[[Signed, Sealed, Delivered]] - Stevie Wonder’s paean to legal formalities of [[deed]] [[execution]]
*[[Signed, Sealed, Delivered]] - Stevie Wonder’s paean to legal formalities of [[deed]] [[execution]]
*[[Pop songs which use legal concepts]]
*[[Pop songs which use legal concepts]]


{{c3|Deeds|Enforcement|Case Note}}
{{c3|Deeds|Enforcement|Case Note}}

Revision as of 09:53, 20 March 2020

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A deed is a written legal agreement that has been signed and delivered and which is enforceable even in the absence of consideration. There are formal requirements for it to be executed. Deeds between two or more parties are called indentures. A unilateral deed is called a deed poll. Etymology corner: Originally, an indenture between more than one party had a physical “indentation” or “serration” along one edge of the document, whereas that pages of a deed signed by just one person were cut straight (or “polled”) — thus a “deed poll”.

Deeds are required by statute for some types of contract, including:

  • Real estate: conveyances of landCite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag any legally binding agreement for which one party does not provide consideration.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered - I'm yours

Is a Stevie Wonder song which correctly, if figuratively, uses legal concept. More about that here.

When is a deed delivered?

Historically, delivery occurred when the document was received by the other side — a deed becomes enforceable once it has been shown to the other parties. As the law evolved, the concept of “delivery” became the point at which it could be shown that it was intended that the document would become binding. This is still the test used today.

For companies, a deed is deemed to have been delivered in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act. However, no deemed delivery provisions apply to individuals.

The Cases

JC’s View

The legal community wags its prurient finger and admonishes the layperson about the timely warning this case represents that one must get one’s paper work right (subtext: make sure you call a lawyer). But on its face this is a poor decision. Clearly the directors' intentions in manscripting the changes and then executing the document evidences that they intended the documents to be binding. But ambulance chasing — or perhaps ambulance defending — members of the legal community see this as a good decision. Eheu.

See also