A Letter of Wishes is a thoughtful, personal document that accompanies your Will. While it isn’t legally binding, it provides valuable guidance to your executors, trustees, and loved ones about how you would like your affairs handled after your death. It can offer meaningful context behind your decisions, help clarify your intentions, and reduce the risk of confusion or disagreement—particularly in emotionally charged times.
Whether you wish to explain why certain gifts were made, give guidance on caring for pets or children, or outline how you’d like personal items such as jewellery or family heirlooms to be distributed, a Letter of Wishes adds a human touch to the formalities of your Will. For your executors and beneficiaries, it can offer much-needed reassurance and a clearer understanding of your personal preferences, bringing relief at a time that can otherwise feel overwhelming.
At The Law Office of Conrad Curry, we offer assistance in drafting a tailored Letter of Wishes as an additional service to your estate plan—something not commonly offered by all firms. We’ll help you capture the personal details that matter to you: funeral preferences, the type of flowers you’d like, a meaningful song to be played, or even your famous recipe for homemade spaghetti bolognaise. It’s these small details that bring comfort to those left behind and help preserve your legacy in a heartfelt way.
A Letter of Wishes is especially helpful in more complex family situations, such as blended families, or when there are sensitive relationships or sentimental possessions involved. You may wish to express hopes for how beneficiaries will use their inheritance, or to offer private explanations for decisions that may otherwise be questioned. It also allows you to provide ongoing guidance to testamentary guardians of minor children, something that can be deeply comforting for those stepping into that role.
In today’s world, where estate planning often involves digital assets, modern family structures, and diverse personal values, a Letter of Wishes allows you to go beyond legal instructions and share what really matters to you. It can include details like passwords, access codes, or instructions for managing your online presence – information that’s often overlooked but incredibly helpful.
Another key benefit is that a Letter of Wishes is a private document. Unlike your Will, which becomes public once probate is granted, a Letter of Wishes remains confidential and can be kept between you and your executors or trustees. It can also be updated as often as needed, without the formalities or expense of amending your Will.
Although not enforceable at law, many executors and trustees feel a strong moral obligation to follow the guidance set out in a Letter of Wishes. It is often warmly received and provides peace of mind by easing the burden of decision-making for those tasked with carrying out your final wishes.
Let us help you leave more than instructions—leave understanding, comfort, and clarity.
