Practical Law UK Glossary 6-107-6449 (Approx. 4 pages)
Glossary
Attestation
In the context of document execution, the process by which a witness records, on the document itself, that they have observed a party's execution of the document. Attestation is a statutory requirement for:
A deed executed by an individual (section 1(3), Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989), or by a company through the signature of one director in the presence of a witness is accordance with section 44(2)(b) of the Companies Act 2006.
In the case of a deed, it is generally accepted that attestation involves:
The witness observing the deed being executed by the maker.
The subscription of the witness' signature following a statement (commonly referred to as an attestation clause) that the deed was executed by the maker in the presence of the witness.