Why You Need a ‘Letter of Instruction’ in Your Estate Plan

When it comes to estate planning, you’re probably focused on wills, trusts, and other formal documents. However, you should include an often-overlooked yet vital element: a Letter of Instruction.

This personalized guide is a roadmap for your family and executor, covering territory that formal legal documents might miss.

Here are a few benefits to a Letter of Instruction:

• Clarity and Detail: The Letter of Instruction can go beyond what’s covered in your will. It can include directives about who should care for your pets, your wishes for your digital assets like social media accounts, and even your funeral arrangements.
• Flexibility: One of the benefits of a Letter of Instruction is that it’s not legally binding. This means you can update it at will without needing to go through any legal hoops. Given its informal nature, you can modify it as your circumstances or sentiments change.
• Efficiency: Having a Letter of Instruction can make the administrative process much smoother for your loved ones and your executor, potentially saving them time and emotional stress during a challenging period.

Don’t underestimate the value of this straightforward yet deeply meaningful document. Including a Letter of Instruction in your estate plan can significantly ease your family’s emotional and logistical burden.

We specialize in educating and helping you protect what you have for the people you love the most. Contact us to learn more about how we can help.