Deed of Variation
Redirect an inheritance within 2 years of death to reduce IHT or redistribute assets. AI-guided document creation.
What you get
- Redirect an inheritance to reduce your IHT liability
- Redistribute assets among beneficiaries to better reflect wishes
- Valid within 2 years of the date of death
- AI-guided questionnaire — no legal knowledge needed
- Fully compliant with HMRC s.142 IHTA 1984
- Built-in consent section for all original beneficiaries
- Instant PDF download ready for signing
- Plain-English explanations alongside every legal clause
- Automatic complexity detection for trust or cross-border scenarios
- Works whether the deceased left a will or died intestate
How your deed of variation is created
Enter estate and beneficiary details
Answer straightforward questions about the estate, the original beneficiaries, and how you want to redirect the inheritance. Takes around 10 minutes.
Review the deed
Our AI explains the legal implications of each change in plain English so every beneficiary understands what they are agreeing to.
Download and sign
Download your completed deed of variation as a PDF. All original beneficiaries sign the document to make the variation legally effective.
Estate Planning Bundle
Everything you need to protect your family
- Single will
- LPA (Health & Welfare)
- LPA (Property & Finance)
- Letter of wishes
How we compare
| Feature | DIY Kit | Willstead | Farewill | Solicitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single will price | £10–30 | £29 | £90 | £200–500+ |
| Guided questionnaire | ✗ | ✓ AI-powered | ✓ | ✓ |
| Complexity detection | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Instant delivery | ✓ (paper form) | ✓ PDF download | 2–5 days | 1–4 weeks |
| Plain-English explanations | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | Varies |
| LPA available | ✗ | ✓ £29 each | ✓ £100+ | ✓ £300+ |
| Full bundle (will + 2×LPA + letter) | N/A | £79 | £300+ | £600+ |
Complex estate?
Our tool detects complexity automatically. If your situation involves overseas assets, trusts, business property, or agricultural land, we'll recommend a specialist solicitor rather than generating a document that might not cover everything you need. Honesty is how we build trust.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a deed of variation?
A deed of variation is a legal document that allows beneficiaries to change how an estate is distributed after someone has died. It effectively rewrites the will (or the intestacy rules) so that the inheritance passes to different people or in different proportions.
When would I use a deed of variation?
Common reasons include reducing an inheritance tax bill by redirecting assets to a spouse or charity, passing assets to grandchildren instead of children, or correcting a will that no longer reflects the family's circumstances. They are also used when someone dies without a will and the intestacy rules produce an unfair result.
What is the 2-year time limit?
A deed of variation must be executed within 2 years of the date of death to be treated by HMRC as if the deceased had made the new arrangement themselves. After 2 years, the variation may still be possible but it will be treated as a gift from the original beneficiary, which could trigger its own tax consequences.
Do all beneficiaries need to agree?
Every beneficiary who is giving up or redirecting part of their inheritance must consent to the deed of variation. Beneficiaries who are receiving more (but not giving anything up) do not need to sign. No one can be forced to agree — the variation only works with genuine consent.
Can a deed of variation save inheritance tax?
Yes. If the variation redirects assets to an exempt beneficiary such as a surviving spouse or a registered charity, the estate is recalculated as though the deceased had left those assets directly. This can significantly reduce or eliminate the IHT bill on the redirected portion.
Is a deed of variation the same as disclaiming an inheritance?
No. A disclaimer is a blanket refusal to accept an inheritance — you cannot choose where it goes instead. A deed of variation lets you redirect your share to a specific person or trust, giving you far more control over the outcome.
Do I need HMRC approval before making a variation?
You do not need prior approval from HMRC. However, if you want the variation to be effective for inheritance tax or capital gains tax purposes, the deed must include a statement under s.142 IHTA 1984 (and s.62 TCGA 1992 for CGT). Our tool includes these statements automatically.
Can I use a deed of variation when there was no will?
Yes. A deed of variation works whether the deceased left a will or died intestate. When there is no will, the intestacy rules determine who inherits, and those beneficiaries can then use a deed of variation to redirect their share.
Get your deed of variation sorted today
£39. No legal jargon. Ready in minutes. Money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied.
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