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Deeds Of Variation To Your Will
The Wills and Probate team at Blackstone Solicitors is here to help you and we can assist with every aspect of advising upon a Deed of Variation. This is the process whereby it is possible to vary a testator’s will We have considerable experience in this area of law and can advise you throughout the process. We can also help with all the documentation to ensure you achieve everything you are hoping to through a Deed of Variation.
Contact us today and we can talk you through our services and how we can help you and your family. Simply call us on 0345 901 0445 or complete our online enquiry form and a member of the team will give you a call back as soon as possible.
At Blackstone, we always aim to provide the best service possible. Meticulous in our approach, we will make sure everything is dealt with as you wish and will keep you updated throughout the legal process, ensuring that you always know of any developments.
“I was very happy with the service provided by Judith Chesters and her team from the Hale branch of Blackstone Solicitors. I’m Swiss and had to deal with my grandparents estate in Hale. Judith really made it easier for me and solved every single problem I had. Thank you!”
– Marlene 
Our Approach
We place huge emphasis on getting things done properly and efficiently. This is especially true when providing legal advice concerning writing a Deed of Variation; we have vast experience of drafting these documents, doing so comprehensively and ensuring all of the necessary provisions to protect the beneficiaries are properly set out, fulfilling every aim and objective whatever your requirements may be.
Some individuals review their Wills regularly ensuring that they amend them to take account of a change in family or personal circumstances. However, those that don’t may find that on their death their Wills may not reflect their own last wishes or the expectations of those they have left behind.
There are a number of reasons one might wish to make a Deed of Variation, for example, to make provision for someone who was excluded from the Will, to take account of differences in the financial position of beneficiaries, or to simply pass assets on to the next generation. There may well be other financial reasons to consider.
Regardless of the complexity of the Deed of Variation, our solicitors have the experience and specialist knowledge to help you achieve an outcome that protects and fully represents you and your loved ones. We will take the time to make sure you fully understand the documentation and its objectives.
We are 100% committed to ensuring each and every one of our clients receives the highest quality service and we will go the extra mile to ensure that you are happy with the results gained. We understand it can be particularly difficult to deal with matters relating to death and inheritance, and this is why our friendly and approachable team always take a sympathetic and understanding approach, ensuring that you receive the support you need.
We believe communication is of the utmost importance. We will therefore keep you updated as things develop and our solicitors will provide practical, straightforward legal advice so that you can be confident everything is progressing as you would like.
Why Legal Help Is Important
There are certain requirements that must be satisfied when preparing a Deed of Variation to your Will.
- The instrument of variation must be in writing. There is no formal requirement for a deed, unless one is required for another reason (for example if land is involved). However, it is good practice to execute a deed as this will ensure that the variation is enforceable.
- The variation must be made by the individual who benefits, or who would benefit, under the Will or intestacy and who is giving up that benefit. The beneficiary who is redirecting his/her entitlement must sign the deed of variation. The beneficiary must be “sui juris” i.e. must be of full age and capacity.
- For the deed to have retrospective effect, it must be made within two years of the death of the deceased.
- The deed must indicate which asset is the subject of the variation and that the variation changes the destination of the asset.
- The original beneficiary must not receive payment (‘consideration’) from outside the estate in return for giving up their entitlement.
- The deed must contain a statement of intent, specifying that the beneficiary elects for the relevant sections of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984and the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to apply.
At Blackstone, we can help to ensure a Deed of Variation achieves the outcome you are looking for. It is imperative that you seek expert legal help as once a variation has been made it cannot be undone.
Our Services
We can provide help with a wide range of matters relating to wills and probate, including:
Get in Touch
Contact us today to discuss any matter relating to writing a Deed of Variation. We can talk about your situation in-depth and get to the bottom of what you need and how we can help. We are here to answer any questions which you have, and we aim to make everything as simple for you as possible.
Our team is approachable and professional and we will do everything in our power to help you get the outcome you need. Call us on 0345 901 0445 or, if you would prefer us to contact you, leave your details via our online enquiry form.
We offer our services to clients in Manchester, Chester, Cheshire and throughout the rest of the UK. We also have an office in London.
