A Guide to Letters of Wishes: Informal Guidance, Powerful Impact

When planning your estate, much of the focus is on legal documents like Wills and Trusts. But there’s
another important tool that can quietly shape how your wishes are carried out: the Letter of Wishes.
While not legally binding, a well-written Letter of Wishes can offer clarity, reassurance, and personal
guidance to those managing your estate after you're gone.

What Is a Letter of Wishes?
A Letter of Wishes is a private, informal document written alongside your Will or Trust. It provides
additional guidance to your executors, trustees, or guardians about how you’d like your estate to be
handled, without changing the legal instructions in your Will.
It allows you to explain the why behind your decisions, express your values, or offer suggestions that might
not belong in a formal legal document.

Why Write a Letter of Wishes?
While your Will tells people what to do, a Letter of Wishes helps them understand how you’d like them to do
it.
Common reasons to include a Letter of Wishes:
To explain why you’ve made particular gifts or excluded someone
To guide trustees on how to use their discretion (e.g., in a Discretionary Trust)
To express your hopes for how money should be spent (education, housing, etc.)
To offer personal messages to children or family members
To guide guardians on how you’d like your children to be raised

Is It Legally Binding?
No. A Letter of Wishes is not legally enforceable. However, it is usually highly persuasive, especially when
it comes from the person who made the Will or Trust. Trustees and executors are expected to consider it
seriously when making decisions.

What Can a Letter of Wishes Include?
It can be as detailed or as simple as you like. Here are some typical sections:
Introductory Statement – Explain the purpose of the letter.
Guidance for Executors or Trustees – Outline your intentions, especially if they have discretionary
powers.
Personal Messages – Share thoughts or values you hope to pass on.

Notes for Guardians – Include practical preferences for how your children are raised (education, religion,
lifestyle).
Gifting Preferences – Suggestions for sentimental items not listed in the Will.
Example 1: Guidance to Trustees
“Although the Discretionary Trust allows flexibility, I would like the trustees to consider supporting my
daughter Emily with university costs and to assist my son Jack with a future house deposit, as and when
they are ready.”
Example 2: For Children’s Guardians
“If possible, I would like my children to remain in the local area to maintain continuity at school and stay
close to extended family. I hope they can continue their musical education and be raised with the same
values of kindness, curiosity, and resilience that we’ve tried to instil.”

How Do I Write One?
There’s no strict format, but it should:
Be clearly written and signed
Be kept private (not attached to the Will)
Be easily updated — especially if your wishes change
Avoid legal contradictions with your Will or Trust
It’s best to write it with professional support, so it complements your estate plan without causing confusion.

Final Thoughts
A Letter of Wishes adds depth, humanity, and clarity to your estate planning. It helps those you trust make
decisions in line with your values — even after you’re gone.
At Only The Best Will Do Ltd, we help you go beyond the legal basics to create a plan that truly reflects
who you are. If you'd like to include a Letter of Wishes in your estate plan, our team is here to guide you
through every step — with clarity and compassion.
Contact us today to start planning with confidence.