Letter of Wishes
Your Will’s secret sidekick
A Letter of Wishes is your personal addendum to your Will—a chance to share your thoughts, hopes, and guidance with those tasked with carrying out your final arrangements. While it isn’t legally binding, it provides invaluable insight to your executors, family, and friends about your personal preferences that might not be strictly covered by the will itself.
OK, so what's covered?
In the UK, this letter can cover a range of topics, from how you’d like your funeral to be handled, to the care of cherished personal belongings. You can even include more sensitive topics, like your wishes regarding the upbringing of any dependants, or even a few words of advice for the times ahead. It’s like leaving behind a final, heartfelt note that helps ensure your intentions are clear and your legacy is respected.
Add heart to the hard stuff
Because the Letter of Wishes isn’t legally enforceable, it offers a bit more flexibility than a Will. It’s your space to be candid and expressive, to add that personal touch which legal documents can sometimes lack. It gives your executors and loved ones a clearer picture of your state of mind, which can be particularly useful in situations where the will may leave room for interpretation.
Where there's a Will, there's a 'Why'
Think of the Letter as the human side of your estate planning. While your will deals with the nuts and bolts of asset distribution, your Letter of Wishes deals with the ‘why’ behind your choices. It’s a thoughtful way to ensure that those left behind aren’t just left with instructions, but with a deeper understanding of your values and wishes during an already difficult time.
OK, how do I write this letter?
This template is designed to help you write a personal Letter of Wishes to accompany your Will. It is not legally binding but can offer helpful guidance and clarity to your executors, trustees, and loved ones.
There are two versions you can download. One is the editable Word version. You can type directly into this document, amend or add any sections and then print it. Alternatively, there is a PDF version with bigger boxes to accommodate handwriting; simply print it as is and complete by hand. Whichever you choose, be honest, be clear, and above all—be yourself.
Letter_of_Wishes_Template_Editable_LOW01NSG240425 - Word format (editable before printing)
Letter_of_Wishes_Template_PDF_LOW01NSG240425 - PDF format (non-editable, print and complete by hand)
