Deed of variation

A Deed of Variation lets you give assets you’ve inherited to another person, or organisation, often reducing your tax bill.

110+

years of service

experienced partners

200+

advisers and growing

Deed of variation solicitors: Expert legal advice

What is a Deed of variation?

Suppose you’ve inherited money, property or other assets or belongings under a Will or the rules of intestacy. In that case, 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 can be someone not 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.

"What sets them apart is their ability to provide advice in a way that is clear, practical, and easy to understand. They cut through legal complexity, giving straightforward guidance that clients can confidently act on, and they follow through efficiently to ensure matters are executed properly from start to finish.." Legal 500 2027

Who can make a deed of variation?

Any individual who benefits can vary any gift in a Will or under the Intestacy provisions, provided that they are over 18 and have mental capacity.

Complex tax planning

A deed of variation can be 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 broader implications are:

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

Legal and financial advice under one roof

Tees is a top-tier Legal 500 firm offering joined-up legal and financial services. We have our own independent financial advisers (IFAs), who work closely with our lawyers.

Our advisers provide holistic financial planning, and as we are not connected to any one provider, we can offer a whole-of-market approach for the range of products we can advise on. We can also give independent advice for a whole range of insurance products to protect you and your family. Our IFAs are regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, which means we’re accountable for the advice we give.

Get in touch today, we’re here to help

Whether you want to change how an estate is distributed after a Will has been made or need advice on the implications of a deed of variation, our team can help. We provide clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances, helping you understand your options and ensure the variation meets your needs.

We have offices across Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire, but we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.

Get in touch

Please complete this form and one of our team will be in touch with you shortly.

Alternatively, you can call us now.

Phone

0800 013 1165

Office Hours

Mon–Fri: 9:00am – 5:30pm

Tees Law does not provide Legal Aid. You can find more information here about Legal Aid and eligibility requirements.

Send us an enquiry

Fill in the form below and one of our team will get back to you.

By submitting this form, you agree to our privacy policy and consent to being contacted about your enquiry. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.