Deed of variation

What is a Deed of variation?

If you’ve inherited money, property or other assets or belongings under a Will or the rules of intestacy, you can use a deed of variation to give some or all of that inheritance to another person or organisation. It's your choice, and it can be someone who wasn't mentioned in the Will.

Reducing your inheritance tax bill

Deeds of variation are particularly useful if you want to manage your own estate and any potential liability for inheritance tax. However, there are a number rules attached to them, particularly on when you need to sign them and who else might need to sign. Our experienced Wills and probate team can guide you through the process smoothly. We'll advise on what you can and can't do, and the most efficient solution for you.

Complex tax planning

A deed of variation can be just one part of a complex tax planning arrangement – we’ll help you find its right place in the bigger scheme, working in harmony with your other plans. Among the sort of issues we can look at for the deed of variation and the wider implications are:

• agricultural relief and business property relief
• giving to charities
• geclarations for inheritance and capital gains tax
• informing HMRC.

We’re here to help

Call us for a confidential, no obligation chat, or fill out our enquiry form and we will let you know how we can help. We can also visit you at your home if you wish.

Our specialist lawyers are based in:

• Cambridgeshire: Cambridge
• Essex: Brentwood, Chelmsford, and Saffron Walden
• Hertfordshire: Bishop's Stortford and Royston 

But we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.

Call our Wills and Probate solicitors on 0808 231 1320

or fill out our enquiry form and a solicitor will get in touch.

Enquiry form