A deed of variation, also known as an instrument of variation, is a legal document that the beneficiaries of a will can use to modify how the estate is distributed. Hence, you must create a modification if you wish to change who receives what or how much without contesting the will, or if you want to transmit some of the inheritance to someone who was left out. You also have two years from the date of the death to finalize these adjustments. Even though it is illegal to change a person's Will after they pass away, the probate deed of variation law does permit you to alter the inheritance rights you hold. This is done to give room for manoeuvring in the event that circumstances have altered since the will was made.

A deed of variation, also known as a deed of family arrangement or deed of disclaimer, is a legal document that allows you to accomplish this. With this deed of variation, you specify the specific manner in which you would for your share of the estate to be distributed. Only your personal share of the estate can be changed. Changes must also be approved by any other parties whose shares in the estate will be impacted. There may also be other parties engaged, such as executors or charities.

Why Would A Will Need to Be Changed After Death?

Considering that each person's situation is unique, the following are some of the primary reasons you might want to modify your will:

Your desire is for someone else to profit from your portion because you don't need it all.

You want your inheritance, or some of it, to benefit a good cause.

There is a more tax-efficient approach to distributing the estate if there are children or grandchildren who weren't included in the will when it was drafted or if you want to make sure that all beneficiaries receive an equal share of the estate, such as if one child received less than the others.