Writing a Letter of Instruction with Samples

Letter of Instruction Explained with Samples

A letter of instruction serves as a valuable reference document. It is intended for those involved in handling your affairs after you’re gone. Unlike a will, this letter lacks legal authority. However, it provides a straightforward explanation of your estate plan to your executor. In addition, it communicates specific wishes to your family that may not be covered by the will.

Moreover, this letter streamlines the complex inheritance process for your heirs. Regardless of the complexity of your estate, it details who should receive sentimental items that may not hold significant monetary value. Additionally, it provides clarity by listing your assets comprehensively and specifying the locations of essential documents. Therefore, a letter of instruction greatly ease the burden on your family.

Step-by-Step Outline for Writing a Letter of Instruction:

These letters offer flexibility, enabling you to include personal messages and wishes for your family. Furthermore, it’s important to note that letters of instruction benefit not only personal matters but also serve business purposes. Specifically, they provide guidance and clarity to colleagues or successors in managing business affairs. In addition, here’s a breakdown of what your letter of instruction should contain and how it can assist you with your estate planning needs.

What is Included:

Although a letter of instruction lacks legal authority, it offers a clear overview of a person’s estate plan to their executor. Key components typically found in a well-crafted letter of instruction include:

1. A comprehensive inventory of all assets.
2. Information on the location of tangible assets that may not be easily accessible.
3. Essential details about liquid assets, encompassing bank accounts, investment portfolios, retirement funds, and brokerage accounts.
4. Contact details of professionals involved in asset management, such as bankers, attorneys, or brokers.
5. Informal instructions often clarify the distribution of assets, including sentimental possessions or heirlooms, beyond what is stated in the will.
6. Designated charities for potential donations.
7. The whereabouts of crucial legal and financial documents, such as tax returns, birth certificates, wills, trusts, and property deeds.
8. Contact information of beneficiaries named in financial accounts or estate planning documents.
9. Details about safe deposit boxes and their corresponding keys.
10. Contact information for creditors, including mortgages, credit card issuers, and lenders.
11. Information about insurance coverage, particularly life insurance policies.
12. Instructions for the care and arrangements for pets.
13. Funeral Wishes – In the event that I am unable to communicate my wishes directly, I have prepared this letter. It provides guidance on handling my personal affairs. Please follow the instructions outlined below.

By encompassing these vital elements, a letter of instruction provides clarity and direction, facilitating the estate settlement process for all involved parties.

__________________________________________________________

To Follow are Examples of a Letter of Instruction

Showing Standard Structure and Content:

___________________________________________________________

PERSONAL Letter of Instruction: Sample 1:

To Whom It May Concern,

In the event that I am unable to communicate my wishes directly, I have prepared this letter to provide guidance on handling my personal affairs. **Therefore**, please follow the instructions outlined below:

Funeral Wishes:

- - Contact [Funeral Home Name] at [Funeral Home Phone Number] to initiate the prearranged funeral plans.
  - Details about my burial plot are stored in the safe deposit box at [Bank Name], Box # [Box Number], and the key is in [Location].

Financial Details:

- - Contact [Employer Name] at [Employer Phone Number] regarding benefits and pension details.
  - For information on accounts, contact [Financial Planner’s Name] at [Planner’s Phone Number].
  - Important documents are stored in [Location], including [List of Documents].

Personal Effects:

- - [Family Member’s Name] is designated to oversee the distribution of personal items.
  - [Pet’s Name] should be cared for by [Pet Care Instructions].

This letter serves as a guide, and I trust those named will execute my wishes with care. Please ensure this letter is easily accessible and known to all concerned parties.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name] [Your Contact Information]

_______________________________________________________________

PERSONAL Letter of Instruction: Sample 2:

Dear [Executor’s Name],

In the event of my passing, I want to ensure that my affairs are handled smoothly. Below, you will find a detailed letter of instruction to guide you through this process.

1. 1. Inventory of Assets:
    - List of all assets, including:
      - Property: My residence is at 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA.
      - Investments: Stocks and bonds held with XYZ Investment Firm.
  2. Location of Tangible Assets:
    - Some tangible assets are stored in my home safe at [Location], including valuable jewelry and family heirlooms.
  3. Details of Liquid Assets:
    - Bank accounts: Checking account with ABC Bank and savings account with DEF Credit Union.
    - Investment portfolios: Managed by XYZ Investment Firm.
    - Retirement funds: 401(k) with GHI Corporation.
  4. Contact Details of Asset Management Professionals:
    - Financial Advisor: John Smith at XYZ Investment Firm
      - Phone: 555-123-4567
      - Email: [email protected]
    - Attorney: Sarah Johnson
      - Phone: 555-987-6543
      - Email: [email protected]
  5. Asset Distribution Instructions:
    - Informal instructions regarding the distribution of assets, particularly sentimental possessions or heirlooms, to be discussed with family.
  6. Designated Charities for Donations:
    - Charities for potential donations: Local Animal Shelter and American Cancer Society.
  7. Location of Legal and Financial Documents:
    - All crucial legal and financial documents, such as:
      - Will: Stored in the safe at [Location].
      - Trust documents: Held by Attorney Sarah Johnson.
      - Property deeds: Filed with the county clerk’s office.
  8. Contact Information of Beneficiaries:
    - List of beneficiaries named in financial accounts or estate planning documents:
      - John Doe (son)
      - Jane Smith (sister)
      - Mary Johnson (niece)
  9. Details of Safe Deposit Boxes:
    - Safe deposit box at First Bank, Key kept in home safe.
  10. Contact Information for Creditors:
    - Mortgage: Acme Mortgage Company, Phone: 555-789-0123
    - Credit Card: Visa, Phone: 555-456-7890
    - Car Loan: ABC Auto Finance, Phone: 555-321-0987
  11. Information about Insurance Coverage:
    - Life insurance policies with:
      - ABC Life Insurance Company, Policy Number: 123456789
      - XYZ Insurance Co., Policy Number: 987654321
  12. Instructions for Pet Care:
    - Make sure John Doe provides care and suitable arrangements for my beloved pets, Fido (dog) and Whiskers (cat).
  13. Funeral Wishes:
    - Funeral arrangements:
      - Preferred Location: St. Mary’s Church, Anytown, USA
      - Specific Details: Simple cremation service, no wake, donations to American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.

I trust you to handle my affairs with care and diligence. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, do not hesitate to contact my attorney, Sarah Johnson, at [Attorney’s Contact Information].

Thank you for undertaking this responsibility.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

________________________________________________________________

Conclusion

In conclusion, a letter of instruction is particularly relevant in addressing even the most intricate details concerning estate planning. Because it provides an explanation to the executor and family members during a time of great stress, it helps to eliminate confusion. Although this document does not have the legal standing of a last will and testament, it still clarifies certain issues. For instance, such instructions involve individuals explaining which preferences the testator wants to be respected. Furthermore, it cannot be without a list of possessions and other relevant supports.

This is a very necessary step for the realization of the gifts made to the beneficiaries. Whether it is a household asset, a key corporate asset, or final wishes, this letter enables you to support your relatives fully throughout the process. Whenever there is a need to draft a letter of instruction for oneself or for business purposes, it is clear that it is one of the tactics that go hand in hand with achieving an estate plan in outline form. Ultimately, we prepare this strategy with care and efficiency.

What is a letter of instruction?

A letter of instruction is an informal, non-legally binding document that guides your executor and family on handling your affairs. It explains your estate plan in simple terms and includes personal wishes not covered in your will.

What does a letter of instruction include?

It includes a full inventory of assets, contact info for financial professionals, funeral wishes, pet care instructions, and where to find legal documents. It may also detail personal messages, heirloom distribution, and donation preferences.

What does a letter of instruction look like?

We’ve included samples in this blog that show how to format your letter with sections like funeral wishes, asset details, and contact lists. These examples help ensure your instructions are clearly outlined and easy to follow.

Editorial Review:

This article was prepared by estate planning researchers and reviewed by S. Miller and staff. With more than 25 years of experience in estate planning documentation and probate processes, our editorial oversight ensures clarity and accuracy. This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

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