Sample Letter of Wishes for Will

1. What this document is

A letter of wishes is a private guidance document from a will-maker to executors or trustees about how they would prefer their estate and personal matters to be handled.

2. Purpose

Use this template to record non-binding preferences that supplement a will, including funeral wishes, care of dependants, personal items and estate administration guidance.

3. Key components

1. Document status and identification, clarifying that the letter supplements rather than replaces the will
2. Will and appointment reference, identifying the relevant will, executors and trustees
3. Funeral and burial wishes, recording preferred arrangements and practical contacts
4. Care of children and dependants, expressing guidance for guardians and trustees
5. Personal possessions, setting out non-binding preferences for sentimental items
6. Digital assets and records, directing representatives to important accounts and information
7. Estate administration preferences, guiding communication, timing and discretionary decisions
8. Review and revocation, confirming that updated wishes replace earlier letters
9. Signature and witness record, evidencing the will-maker’s written instructions