Will Letter Of Wishes Template

How to write a alphabetic character of wishes

We all desire to ensure our coin, assets and possessions are passed on faithfully to our beneficiaries when we're no longer around. And writing a alphabetic character of wishes is one way to make your feelings known. In this guide we'll explain how and why you might want to put your farewell wishes in writing.

What is a alphabetic character of wishes?

Your letter of wishes is your opportunity to give guidance to those managing your estate on how you'd like your avails to exist dealt with. Unlike a will, a letter of wishes is non legally binding, and the executors are not legally obliged to follow whatsoever requests made in the alphabetic character. Therefore, if you lot wish to ensure that certain personal possessions go to certain beneficiaries, maybe considering these items have sentimental value, this should be dealt with in your will.

While a alphabetic character of wishes is no substitute for a volition, information technology can provide practical and emotional support to your executors, family members and trustees created in the will. While some laws regarding wills and inheritance differ throughout the UK, you tin can write a letter of the alphabet of wishes to accompany a will whether you alive in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

What should my letter of wishes include?

As the letter of wishes is not legally binding, you must have care that the letter of wishes does not comprise anything that could conflict with your will.

Annihilation relating to the direction of your manor can exist covered by your letter of wishes. Hither are some examples:

Information almost how you'd similar your money, assets and personal possessions to be allocated when you're no longer around.
Details about who should exist informed of your expiry, and if anyone in particular should not be informed.
Guidance on whether y'all'd like to be cached or cremated, plus any relevant detail nearly the funeral service you'd similar.
Explanations almost decisions you've made that may be considered controversial; for example, if you've omitted someone from the volition.
Details almost your children's futurity, such as who they should live with, and whatever 'leaving wishes' in relation to their religious upbringing or education.

Letter of wishes format

In that location is no prepare format for a letter of wishes, and the contents should ultimately be determined by you and your loved ones' circumstances. But as a dominion of thumb, you could format your expression of wishes as follows:

The appointment of the announcement, and the names of your executors or trustees.
The letter, which could begin with a summary of your aims, followed by a priority list of beneficiaries. It can and so describe the factors you've taken into account, the historic period at which beneficiaries should receive their inheritance, and other information, such as whether the partners of your children should have a merits to inheritance in the issue of a divorce.
Your signature equally the settlor, and of any other settlor, if applicable.

Couple writing a letter of wishes

How to write a alphabetic character of wishes

Your leaving wishes should be expressed in simple, jargon-free English so that you go out no room for misinterpretation. As your farewell wishes may comprise sensitive information about people's right to an inheritance, you may wish to write well-nigh these in a considerate, matter-of-fact way, rather than inflaming whatsoever tensions. It's also of import that your letter of the alphabet of wishes doesn't contradict anything in your will, otherwise even if your most of import goodbye wishes may accept to be disregarded.

Why do I need a letter of wishes?

Your letter of wishes is a confidential document, whereas a volition can potentially become public, so it'due south an opportunity to state whatsoever preferences and so that any disputes tin exist resolved more easily when you're no longer around. Also, in some circumstances you may wish to withhold sensitive information from family unit members, which is where a list of wishes can be beneficial.

But your farewell wishes are not simply about who gets to keep what; it's a take a chance to put in writing any reflections and words of encouragement to your family unit members that could be a priceless memento for years to come.

When should I write a letter of wishes?

There is no defined moment in your life that you should write a letter of wishes, so essentially, yous can write one at any time. Typically, people choose to write a alphabetic character of wishes alongside a will, as the details will be easier to recall and there is less take chances of omitting central information. It's worth remembering that your listing of wishes should ideally be stored with the volition, so that the documents are easier to locate. Since the letter of wishes is not a legally binding document, y'all can rewrite sections at any stage, and unlike a will, it doesn't need to be witnessed. You may wish to bank check the letter of the alphabet at regular intervals, as your personal and family circumstances may have changed, not to mention any new legislation relating to inheritance.

Learn more nigh writing a volition

Writing a letter of wishes is one thing, simply you'll want to back-trail the document with a legally binding will. Read our guide on how to make a will, and notice more than about Over 50s Life Insurance.