Executor Guidance Template
Being an executor isn't easy, but you can make it easier
Fun fact: most executors are children, spouses or other close family members.
Second fun fact: they are, statistically, unlikely to be solicitors.
So when it comes to being an executor, even the most organised amongst us can be caught off guard by the inevitable paperwork.
What is an Executor Guidance Document?
An executor guidance document (sometimes called a "letter to executors") is your personal instruction manual for those responsible for managing your estate after death. While your will sets out WHO gets WHAT, this document explains HOW to make it happen. It's the practical roadmap that transforms a potentially overwhelming task into a manageable process.
Think of it as leaving detailed directions for a complex journey. Your executors might be grieving, stressed, and facing unfamiliar legal responsibilities. This document becomes their lifeline - providing clear, step-by-step guidance when they need it most.
Why Your Executors Need This Document
Most executors aren't legal professionals - they're family members or close friends suddenly thrust into a complex administrative role. Research shows that 68% of executors feel overwhelmed by their duties, and many make costly mistakes simply because they don't know where to start.
Your executor guidance document solves these problems by:
Saving time - No hunting through drawers or computers for crucial information
Reducing stress - Clear instructions prevent panic and confusion
Avoiding costly errors - Proper guidance helps prevent missed assets or deadlines
Preventing family disputes - Written instructions eliminate guesswork about your wishes
Speeding up estate administration - Faster process means beneficiaries receive inheritances sooner
Without this guidance, your executors might miss valuable assets, overlook important deadlines, or struggle to locate essential documents. In the worst cases, this can lead to financial penalties, family conflicts, or assets being distributed incorrectly.
Where to store the Executor Guidance Document
You have, broadly, options. One, you could give it in advance to your Executor/s, if you trust them with knowing where you are keeping all your death documentation. Two, you could store it with your guidance documentation in a folder, perhaps marked 'Death' (a bit morbid, I know, but it stands out - and is what I've done!). You should probably also choose to let your executors know where that is. Three, you could store it with a solicitor - but make sure you tell your executors who that is. Personally, I'd avoid the last option; the point of the Executor Guidance is to quickly get a grip on all the aspects of the estate and managing the funeral, letting family know, etc. Storing this guidance with the solicitor is going to really slow that down...unless of course, your executor IS the solicitor! And you can always store just the will with the solicitor, for safe-keeping if you wish.
You'll find much more guidance on the topic of storing your documentation in my Death Documentation Storage page.
Executor Guidance Document (Letter to Executor ) Template
My Executor Guidance document template is designed to step in where confusion might otherwise reign. It's a clear, concise guide that takes them through what documents have been stored, where to look, and who to contact. Because even if you ARE going to use a solicitor as your executor, they'll still need family members to help locate the documents, whether paper or digital, which detail the estate's assets and liabilities.
With my template at your disposal, you’ll have a central hub to record details on assets, important contacts, and any special instructions left behind. Give one to each of your executors.
What's more, it's in Word format, so you can simply amend or delete sections to best fit your circumstances and needs - for example, you may not have any pets to look after. I've included a short How To Complete guide below too, for maximum clarity.