Understanding the Letters of Wishes 📝
The secret companion to your Will
Ever wondered how to pass on those little details that don't quite belong in your Will? Enter the Letter of Wishes – your Will's chatty best friend! Let's break down what it is, why you need one, and how it helps your loved ones understand your thoughts better.
What's a Letter of Wishes? 🤔
Think of it as your Will's informal sidekick. While your Will handles the legal heavy lifting, your Letter of Wishes is where you can explain your decisions, share personal messages, and give guidance about things that might change over time. The best part? You can update it without having to redo your Will!
Why Do You Need One? ✨
Explains your reasoning behind Will decisions when it’s not possible to do so in the Will
Details how to distribute specific personal items so your Will is neater
Provides guidance for digital assets
Doesn’t require witnessing, so can be updated as many times as you want
Leaves personal messages for loved ones
Gives funeral preferences
Helps Executors understand your thinking
The Personal Touch 💝 Your Letter of Wishes is perfect for explaining how to handle things like:
The contents of your house specifically (ie. all your clothes)
Family heirlooms with their stories
Preferences for guardianship (ie. if you’d like your children raised in a certain religion)
Care instructions for pets
The Legal Bit 📋
Here's something important to remember: while your Will is legally binding, your Letter of Wishes isn't. Think of it more as a helpful guide for your Executors. They should consider your wishes, but they're not legally bound to follow them.
Top Tips for Writing Your Letter of Wishes:
Keep it clear and up-to-date
Store it with your Will
Tell your Executors it exists
Be specific but flexible
Include your digital legacy planner
Add personal messages if you wish
Review it regularly
Remember: Your Letter of Wishes can be as detailed or as simple as you like. The key is making it helpful for those you leave behind!
Need Help? 🤝 While you can write a Letter of Wishes yourself, our Will writers can help ensure it complements your Will perfectly. We'll make sure nothing important is missed and that your wishes are expressed clearly.
Ready to get started on your Letter of Wishes? Let's chat about making sure your legacy is handled exactly as you'd like! ✨
