Deeds Of Variation — A Quick Guide

If you're trying to work out the best way to structure a deed of variation we would recommend taking professional advice.

If you have inherited money or property under the Will of a loved one, you can redirect your entitlement to someone else by executing a formal "Deed of Variation". You can also vary any entitlement you may have received under an intestacy (where someone has died without a Will).

There are many reasons why you might want to enter into a deed of variation but here are some of the main ones:

• There is a more tax efficient way to distribute the deceased's estate and you want to make use of it.
• The Will or Intestacy does not make provision for people that you believe should have some benefit from the estate (e.g. grandchildren born after the date that a Will was written or a partner or cohabitant who has no automatic entitlement under an intestacy).