Letter of Instructions

What is a letter of instructions?

A letter of instructions is an informal document that gives your survivors information on your financial situation as well as your personal situation with instructions of what you want them to do after your death.

A letter of instructions is a nice addition to your estate planning documents of: your will durable power of attorney health care proxy or living will

Unlike other estate planning documents, you can prepare the letter of instructions yourself without the help of an estate planning attorney.

Is a letter of instructions legal as a will is?

No, the letter of instructions is not a substitute for a will. A letter of instructions simply clarifies what need to be done upon the death of the owner of the letter of instructions.

What does a letter in instructions often include?

A letter of instructions often includes:

• the location of important documents such as the will, birth certificates, marriage certificates and military records
• the summary of investments and insurance policies
• the location of real estate documents and receipts
• details of safe deposit box
• locations of income tax and gift tax returns
• wishes of funeral arrangement and burial arrangements
• name and addresses of people and organizations that should be notified.