Change how an inheritance is shared
When someone passes away, the Will (or the rules of intestacy) sets out how his or her estate is to be shared. But sometimes, the original arrangements no longer feel quite right. A Deed of Variation allows beneficiaries to make changes to an inheritance, so it better reflects the family’s wishes, circumstances, or tax planning needs.
A Deed of Variation is a legal document that allows a beneficiary to redirect part or all of their inheritance to someone else. It can help ensure the estate is distributed in a way that feels fair, practical, or tax efficient.
Beneficiaries may choose to have a Deed of Variation for many reasons, such as:
- Providing for someone who was unintentionally left out of the Will
- Updating arrangements to reflect changes in the family
- Passing assets directly to children or grandchildren
- Reducing the inheritance tax burden on future generations
- Helping vulnerable or financially dependent relatives
- Simplifying the distribution of the estate
It’s a flexible tool, but it must be done correctly to be effective. That’s where our experienced team can help.
Whatever your reasons for wanting a Deed of Variation, we will provide you with clear, supportive guidance to help you understand your options and decide whether a Deed of Variation could be beneficial.
We can guide you through the entire process, including:
- Explaining when a Deed of Variation is appropriate
- Reviewing the Will or intestacy position
- Drafting the Deed of Variation to reflect your wishes
- Advising on the tax implications, including inheritance tax and capital gains tax
- Ensuring the document is executed correctly and submitted where required
- Liaising with executors, trustees, or other beneficiaries
We offer clear, friendly advice so you can make decisions with confidence.