This Practice Note provides an overview of the types of parties which may become involved (whether as claimant or defendant) in litigation in England and Wales, and the key procedural issues and practical considerations of which their legal advisors should be aware. It deals with the following types of party: corporations, partnerships, sole traders, unincorporated associations, children, insolvent individuals or companies, groups, the estate of a deceased party and litigants in person (also known as unrepresented litigants). It also considers the capacity of a party to litigate under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.