Deed of Variation Template
A plain-English kit for England & Wales
Delivered as PDF + editable Word document. Instant download.
Deed of Variation Template
Redirect inherited assets within two years of a death — to save inheritance tax, benefit grandchildren, or correct an oversight. Solicitors charge £500–£1,500 for this.
What’s included
- Plain-English guide to what a Deed of Variation is and when to use it
- Two-year time limit explained — and why acting promptly matters
- Fillable Deed of Variation template (for England & Wales)
- HMRC notification requirements and the s142 IHTA 1984 election
- Beneficiary consent guidance — who must agree to a variation
- Checklist of steps to complete, execute, and register the variation
Who it's for
- •Beneficiaries who want to redirect an inheritance to a different person or charity
- •Families wanting to pass assets down to grandchildren and skip a generation
- •Beneficiaries whose own estate may face inheritance tax and want to pass assets straight to children
- •Situations where the original Will did not reflect the deceased's true wishes
This may not be right for you if…
- •Variations involving business assets or complex trust structures (seek legal advice)
- •Variations more than two years after the date of death (the deadline is strict)
- •Situations where all beneficiaries do not consent (all affected parties must agree)
In these cases, we recommend speaking to a solicitor.
Questions about this kit
What is the two-year deadline?+
A Deed of Variation must be made within two years of the date of death to qualify for inheritance tax and capital gains tax treatment under s142 IHTA 1984. After that deadline, you can still redirect assets (it is a gift), but it loses the tax advantages. Acting promptly is essential.
Do all beneficiaries have to agree?+
The beneficiaries who are giving up or redirecting their entitlement must agree and sign. Other beneficiaries whose share is not affected do not need to be party to the variation.
Is this legal advice?+
No. WillSafe UK sells a self-help template. For complex estates, large sums, or if you are unsure whether a variation applies to your situation, consult a solicitor or tax adviser.
Self-help template, not legal advice. WillSafe UK is a trading name of WSC Group Ltd. We are not solicitors. Our products are self-help templates for England & Wales. For complex estates, speak to a qualified solicitor. See our full disclaimer.