What shouldn’t you include?
When writing your letter of wishes, it’s essential not to include anything that contradicts your will.
Avoid including cash gifts, as well as personal grievances, or angry and inflammatory language that could cause family conflict.
Ms Valentine said: “It is also important to consider who will read your letter of wishes as it may include information you only want seen by certain individuals. It can always be read by all your executors and trustees, so you should consider who you appoint to these roles and whether there is anything in your letter of wishes which might cause harm to them if known.”
How to write a letter of wishes
You can write a letter of wishes yourself – handwritten or typed – and there’s no official format that it must follow, but there are some essential details you should include.
A quick search online will reveal a range of templates that can help you structure your letter.
Mr Bish said: “Keep the wording clear and avoid overly rigid instructions which could become impractical and cause anxiety for your loved ones.”
Your letter should include your name and the date it has been written and make clear it is intended to accompany the latest version of your will.
Emma Hurrell, of law firm B P Collins, added: “Your letter of wishes should be addressed to your executors. It is helpful to include subheadings, so it is easier for your executors to read and follow – for example: personal belongings; funeral preferences; trust and guardian guidance; and so on.”
It should be signed and marked “private and confidential” and you should review it regularly to make sure it remains up to date. As it’s not a legal document, it can be amended at any time.
Where should you keep it?
You should keep your letter of wishes alongside your will and other estate documents in a safe location. This might be with your solicitor or at home. But wherever it is, make sure your executors and trustees know where to find it.