STEP Standard Provisions

The STEP Standard Provisions are a set of ready-made clauses that can be inserted into a will. These clauses provide protections and powers that enable the executors or trustees to effectively deal with the estate.

The STEP Standard Provisions contain useful material to include in a will, avoiding technical terms that could confuse the lay reader.

There are Provisions that cover the law of England and Wales, and Northern Ireland respectively.

The Standard Provisions are available to download below. If you wish to include the STEP Standard Provisions on your website, please link to this page.

England and Wales

The Provisions were originally published in 1992. An update was published in 2011, following changes in trust and tax law. The most recent update was in 2023.

In 2023, the practice direction was approved by the Chief Chancery Master of the Family Division. This allowed the STEP Standard Provisions (3rd Edition) to be incorporated into wills by reference.

STEP Standard Provisions, Third Edition (2023)

• STEP Standard Provisions – Third Edition, full text
  • STEP Standard Provisions – Third Edition, full text (large print version)
• SSP3: Toolkit
• SSP3: FAQs
• SSP3: Overview - a guide for clients
• Practice direction

STEP Standard Provisions, Second Edition (2011)

• STEP Standard Provisions - Second Edition, full text
• STEP Standard Provisions - Second Edition, full text (Large Print version)
• Toolkit
• FAQs
• Practice Direction

In 2013, a practice direction was issued by the Senior District Judge of the Family Division. This allowed the STEP Standard Provisions (Second Edition) to be incorporated into wills by reference.

STEP Standard Provisions, First Edition (1992)

• STEP Standard Provisions - First Edition, full text
• Commentary

Northern Ireland

• STEP Standard Provisions for inclusion in wills in Northern Ireland