Deed of Variation Solicitors in Harrow
A deed of variation allows beneficiaries to change how an estate is shared after someone has died. If you have inherited something and would prefer it went to someone else — a child, a grandchild, another family member, or a charity — this is the document that makes that happen.
Kenton Solicitors prepares deeds of variation for beneficiaries across Harrow, whether you are redirecting your whole entitlement, part of it, or rearranging matters between several beneficiaries by agreement.
There is a two year window from the date of death in which a variation can be made. Appointments are available at our Kenton Road office in person, by telephone, or by video call, Monday to Saturday.
Free Consultation — 020 8907 2444Our Deed of Variation Services
Whether you are passing on your whole share or rearranging an estate between several beneficiaries, we prepare the document and deal with the practical steps.
Redirecting Your Inheritance
Where you would prefer your share went to someone else entirely — often a child or grandchild who needs it more than you do at this stage of life.
Rebalancing Between Beneficiaries
Where the beneficiaries agree that the estate should be shared differently — for example to even things up between siblings, or to include someone the will left out.
Correcting an Unintended Outcome
Where a will was not updated and produces a result the family are confident was never intended, a variation can put matters right by agreement.
Where There Was No Will
A variation can also be used where someone died without a will, allowing the family to redirect entitlements from the fixed shares that would otherwise apply.
Gifts to Charity
Where you would like part of what you have inherited to go to a charity instead, a variation records that properly.
Variations Involving Property
Where the share being redirected includes a house or flat, our conveyancing team deals with the transfer alongside the variation itself.
Making a Variation — Step by Step
Most variations are straightforward and completed within a few weeks.
Free Consultation
We look at the will or the position where there is no will, and discuss what you would like to change and why.
Checking It Works
We confirm who needs to agree, whether the two year window is still open, and whether a variation is the right approach.
Preparing the Deed
We draft the document setting out exactly what is being redirected, to whom, and on what basis.
Signing & Notifying
Everyone affected signs, and we notify the executors and any other parties who need to know so the estate is distributed accordingly.
How a Deed of Variation Works
When you inherit, that share belongs to you and you are free to give it away. The difference a deed of variation makes is that the redirected share is treated as though it had come from the person who died, rather than as a gift from you.
That distinction matters, and it is the reason a properly drafted deed is worth having rather than simply handing money over informally. It also means the arrangement is recorded clearly, which avoids questions later about what was agreed and why.
A variation cannot be forced on anyone. Everyone whose share is affected has to agree and sign. Where a beneficiary is under 18, the position is more involved and we will advise you on it.
Speak to a SolicitorThe Two Year Window
A variation must be made within two years of the date of death. It can be done before or after the estate has been distributed, but the deadline is fixed and cannot be extended.
Everyone Affected Must Agree
Only those whose entitlement is being reduced need to sign. You cannot vary someone else's share without their consent, and nobody can be made to give up what they have inherited.
Part or All of Your Share
You do not have to redirect everything. Many people pass on a portion — often to a child or grandchild — while keeping the rest for themselves.
Get Advice First
A variation has consequences that are not always obvious, particularly where benefits, care arrangements, or other family circumstances are involved. It is worth a conversation before committing.
When a Variation Is Used
Passing Down a Generation
Those who are comfortably provided for and would rather their inheritance went straight to children or grandchildren who need it more.
Evening Things Up
Families where the will divided things unequally and the beneficiaries agree between themselves to rebalance the shares.
Including Someone Left Out
Where a will was not updated and a family member has been unintentionally excluded, the other beneficiaries can bring them in by agreement.
Where There Was No Will
Families dealing with an estate where no will was left, who want a different outcome from the fixed shares that would otherwise apply.
Settling a Disagreement
Where a dispute over an estate has been resolved by agreement, a variation can be the document that records and gives effect to the settlement.
Supporting a Charity
Those who want part of what they have inherited to go to a cause the person who died supported, or one that matters to them.
Deed of Variation Solicitors Serving Harrow
We prepare deeds of variation for beneficiaries across Harrow and the surrounding areas of north-west London. Many arise during an estate we are already administering, though we are equally happy to help where another firm is dealing with the probate.
Where the share being redirected includes a property, our conveyancing team handles the transfer as part of the same matter, which keeps everything in one place.
Get in Touch
A variation must be made within two years of the date of death. To discuss whether one would suit your circumstances, contact our team for a free initial consultation.
020 8907 2444or email info@kentonsolicitors.co.uk
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 10am – 6pm
Saturday: 10am – 6pm
Walk-ins welcome. Home visits can be arranged where needed.
Deed of Variation FAQs
Considering a Deed of Variation?
Free initial consultation. SRA regulated. Based in Harrow.
