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Notice of Severance
Make sure your share of a jointly owned home passes under your Will, for £20.
If you own your home as joint tenants, your share passes automatically to the other owner when you die, regardless of what your Will says. A Notice of Severance changes the ownership to tenants in common, so your share passes under your Will instead. I prepare it alongside your Will, and send it with your other documents.
No obligation. Your fee is agreed and fixed before you commit to anything.
When a Notice of Severance is worth considering
A Notice of Severance is usually worth considering if you jointly own a property and:
- want to include a life interest trust or another trust in your Will, which usually requires your property to be held as tenants in common first
- want to include provisions in your Will that may help reduce potential future care home fees
- want your share to pass to someone other than the other owner, such as your children from an earlier relationship
- have experienced a relationship breakdown and no longer want your share to pass automatically to the other owner
Most notices are prepared alongside a Trust Will. I will check how your home is owned when we discuss your Will, and tell you whether a notice is needed.
How much does a Notice of Severance cost?
Notice of Severance
£20
Prepared alongside your Will.
Included in the service: –
- Discussed at the same consultation as your Will, so there is no separate appointment
- The correct notice, prepared for you, with an explanation of the next steps needed to record the change
- Sent with your documents, within 7 days of my receiving everything I need from you.
A Notice of Severance is added to one of these services:
- Trust Will: £200, or £300 for a couple
- Basic Will: £130
- Mirror Wills: from £200 for both
See why clients trust Wise Owl Wills
Read what clients say about the clear advice, personal service and reassurance they received when putting their plans in place.
Excellent
Trustpilot
about 12 days ago
Stephen at Wise Owl Wills
We asked Stephen at Wise Owl Wills to prepare our mirror Wills and a letter of wishes. He listened carefully to what we wanted, explained our options clearly and helped us put our wishes into words. Stephen explained how the Wills would provide for each other and our family, and how the letter of wishes could offer additional guidance alongside them. We appreciated having time to ask questions and discuss the details. The personal service made the whole process straightforward and reassuring. We would recommend Wise Owl Wills to couples looking for professionally drafted Wills and thoughtful, practical guidance.
about 1 month ago
A great mirror will service
Me and my partner used Wise Owl Wills for our mirror Wills and a Lasting Power of Attorney. Stephen explained everything in a way that was easy to understand and never made us feel rushed or pressured. The price was agreed beforehand, so we knew exactly what we were paying. Everything was sorted quickly and professionally, and we now feel much happier knowing our affairs are in order. I would definitely recommend Wise Owl Wills to anyone in Denton or Greater Manchester.
about 1 month ago
An excellent personal service could…
An excellent personal service could recommend enough
about 1 month ago
Stephen at Wise Owl Wills prepared both…
Stephen at Wise Owl Wills prepared both my Will and Lasting power of attorney making whole process straightforward easy to understand explaining options clearly and answered questions ensured documents reflected my wishes. He was professional throughout thorough and reassuring. I now have peace of mind knowing that my family provided for and that right people can make appropriate decisions for me if needed. I would highly recommend Wise Owl Wills.
about 1 month ago
Wise Owls wills great help
We found the writing of the will very helpful and was given advice on how to put in our wishes.Found the whole experience stress free and would recommend them to our friends.
about 1 month ago
Easy communication
Easy communication, professionally written wills covering all of the technical issues necessary. Pleased with the price and the result.
How to add a Notice of Severance to your Will
1. Tell me what you need
Call me or send a message through my contact page, and I will arrange a convenient, no-obligation consultation.
2. Talk through your choices
We talk through your Will and how your property is owned at your consultation.
3. Your documents are personally prepared
I send your documents within 7 days of receiving everything that I need from you.
Who will prepare your notice
Wise Owl Wills was founded by Stephen Rhodes, who was called to the Bar in 1999 and has 27 years of legal experience. Having drafted Wills and dealt with disputes arising from poorly prepared or unclear Wills, Stephen understands both how these important documents should be prepared and what can go wrong when someone’s wishes are not expressed properly. You deal directly with Stephen throughout, from your first conversation to the completion of your documents.
Notice of Severance: frequently asked questions
Do I need my co-owner's agreement to sever a joint tenancy?
No. The notice must be given to the other owner in writing, but it does not need their agreement or signature. Usually a Notice of Severance is prepared with the knowledge and consent of both owners, but you can sever a joint tenancy on your own, for example if your relationship has broken down.
Does severing change how much of the property I own?
After severance, you and the other owner normally each own an equal share. Nothing else changes: you both still own and can live in the property, and any mortgage is unaffected. The difference is simply what happens to your share when you die.
Is anything else needed after the notice is served?
Usually, yes. The change should be recorded at HM Land Registry, so there is a clear record that the property is now held as tenants in common. I explain the next steps when I send you the notice.
Can a severance be undone?
Yes, but only if both owners agree. You cannot return to a joint tenancy on your own.
Can you prepare a notice more quickly?
Yes. An express service is available if needed, alongside your Will. Mention it when you get in touch and I will tell you what is possible.
Want to read more first?
My guide, When should a joint tenancy be severed?, explains in more depth when severing is worth considering.
Making or changing your Will?
Book a free, no-obligation consultation or call me today. I will check how your home is owned, and if a Notice of Severance is needed, it can be prepared alongside your Will.
TrustpilotNo obligation. Tell me what you need and I will explain the suitable options and costs before you decide. All information you provide is treated confidentially, and I aim to respond within one working day.