What is required for a promise to be considered a deed?

For a promise to be considered a deed, it must indeed be executed in writing. A deed is a formal and legally binding document that expresses an intention to create a legal obligation. Writing is an essential requirement because it provides clear evidence of the parties' intentions and the specifics of the agreement. This formality helps to distinguish deeds from simple contracts, which can be made verbally or in a less formal manner.

While having a deed witnessed by a third party is common practice and may be required in certain jurisdictions, it is not universally required for a deed to be valid. Similarly, notarization may add an extra layer of authenticity but is not a universal requirement for all deeds. Registration with authorities can be necessary for specific types of deeds, such as land transfers, but is not a blanket requirement applicable to all deeds. Ultimately, the writing serves as the foundational element that legitimizes the promise and distinguishes it as a deed.