When a client dies, their will isn’t necessarily the final word on how their estate gets distributed. Deeds of variation and disclaimers give beneficiaries a valuable window – two years from death – to reshape inheritances in ways that can reduce tax bills and improve family outcomes – often both.

In the latest episode in our ‘Technically speaking’ series, we invited Steve Sayer from Utmost to join host Richard Allum, to cast his expert gaze on the post-death planning issues that paraplanners need to consider.

During the hour-long session, Steve explains:

• how deeds of variation work;
• the conditions needed for them to be effective for IHT and CGT purposes;
• practical situations where they make sense;
• related settlements;
• ‘reading back’ provisions; and
• CGT planning opportunities that variations can create.

What’s more, the session also explores disclaimers – the simpler but more restrictive alternative to variations. Steve clarifies:

• the ‘all or nothing’ rule;
• when disclaimers work best; and
• how they differ from deeds of variation in practice.

Throughout the episode, Steve offers examples to help illustrate concepts such as periodic charges and ten-year anniversaries.

If you’re working on suitability reports that cover post-death planning options, are supporting a client following a death, or would just like to give your technical knowledge a boost, this is the ideal ‘Technically speaking’ episode for you.

Useful links

CPD: Take the quiz to receive your certificate

Slides: Deeds of variation and disclaimers

Podcast: Listen on Acast

Utmost Technical Academy webinar series

Utmost x Paraplanners' Assembly: all our previous sessions

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