A will expresses the final wishes of the deceased person and it is commonly thought that a will is irrevocable after death. However, provided everyone agrees, it is normally possible to vary a will provided that the application is made within two years of the death.
A Deed of Family Arrangement, or DFA, (also known as a Deed of Variation) is a legal document which can be used to 'rewrite' provisions of a will. While these were originally introduced to protect dependents from being unfairly deprived, they are now mainly used to reduce Inheritance Tax.
To be effective, a DFA must be made in writing and signed by all of the beneficiaries who would lose entitlement to the affected part of the deceased person’s estate. If this affects any person under age eighteen, it may require the formal approval of the court.
Changing Wills For Benefit
- Susan Howarth
- Head of Family Department
- 01606 48777
- View profile
We have a lot of experience in drawing up DFAs. Although they can be very effective, they can also be complex, especially where trusts are used. The best solution is to leave a will that does not need to be changed. This is especially true since the Government has made noises about legislating against DFAs. If you haven't updated your will recently, we recommend you check it: if it needs amendment, we will be pleased to assist.
For more information or to speak to one of our experts, please call us on 01606 48777
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The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.