Letter of Wishes Template Free
A letter of wishes is a simple document that sits alongside your will and helps explain your intentions. It gives your family and executor extra guidance - especially for the things a will doesn't handle well.
It's not legally binding, but it can make a huge difference in how smoothly things are handled after you're gone.
What is a letter of wishes?
A letter of wishes is an informal document that supports your will. It allows you to explain decisions, provide context, and give guidance that wouldn't normally be included in a legal document.
Unlike a will, it doesn't need to follow strict legal rules. That means you can write it in plain language and update it whenever you like.
While it isn't legally enforceable, executors will usually take it seriously - especially when it helps avoid confusion or conflict.
Why people use a letter of wishes
Wills are designed to handle legal distribution of assets. But they don't always capture the personal side of things - the "why" behind your decisions.
A letter of wishes fills that gap.
- Explain why certain people received specific items
- Provide guidance for items not listed in your will
- Share personal messages with family
- Give direction on sentimental belongings
- Outline preferences for funeral arrangements
It's often the difference between a smooth process and unnecessary disagreements.
What to include in a letter of wishes
There's no strict format, but most letters of wishes include a mix of practical guidance and personal context.
1. General guidance
Start by setting the tone. Let your executor know how you'd like decisions to be approached, especially where discretion is involved.
2. Personal belongings
This is one of the most common uses. You can list items and who you'd like them to go to, along with short notes explaining their significance.
3. Items not specifically listed
Not everything will be documented. Provide guidance on how remaining items should be handled to avoid arguments.
4. Funeral preferences
You can outline preferences for burial or cremation, type of service, or anything else important to you.
5. Personal messages
This is optional, but many people include a short message to their family. It adds a human element that a will simply can't provide.
Letter of wishes template
You can use the template below as a starting point. Keep it simple and write in your own words.
Letter of Wishes
Date: [Insert date]
I, [Your Full Name], provide this letter as a guide to my executor and family. This document is not legally binding but reflects my wishes and intentions.
General Guidance
I ask that my estate is handled fairly and with consideration for everyone involved. Where decisions are required, I trust my executor to act in good faith.
Personal Belongings
- [Item] → [Person] (optional note)
- [Item] → [Person] (optional note)
- [Item] → [Person] (optional note)
Items Not Specifically Listed
For any belongings not listed above, I ask that they are distributed fairly, taking into account sentimental value and personal relationships.
Funeral Preferences
[Optional: include burial/cremation preferences, service style, or other wishes]
Personal Message
[Optional: message to family or final thoughts]
Signed:
[Your Name]
Important things to know
- It is not legally binding
- You can update it at any time
- It should be stored with your will or somewhere known
- Your executor should know it exists
Think of it as guidance, not a rulebook - but one that people are very likely to follow.
Where people run into problems
The biggest issue is vagueness.
Saying "divide everything fairly" might sound reasonable, but it often leads to disagreement - especially when sentimental items are involved.
The clearer you are, the better the outcome.
A better way to handle personal belongings
A letter of wishes is helpful, but it still relies on interpretation.
That's where the Who Gets What app comes in.
- Record specific items with photos
- Assign each item to a person
- Add notes explaining your decisions
- Keep everything organised and easy to update
