Personal Letter of Direction

What is a Personal Letter of Direction and Why Should You Consider One?

A Personal Letter of Direction is an informal document that gives clear instructions about how you want your personal belongings and other wishes to be handled after you pass away. It’s not legally binding, but it can serve as a helpful guide for your family, executor, or trustee. Think of it as a personal touch that complements the more formal parts of your estate plan, like your will or trust.

Why You Might Want a Personal Letter of Direction

• It’s Informal and Easy to Update:
  • Unlike a will or trust, this letter isn’t set in stone. That means you can update it as often as you like without the need for legal documents or procedures.
  • It’s not legally binding, but it’s still incredibly helpful for guiding your loved ones and executor about your personal wishes.
• It Gets Specific About Personal Property:
  • You can list exactly who you want to have your personal items, like your favorite jewelry, family heirlooms, or even furniture.
  • If you have specific items you’d like certain people to have, this is the perfect place to spell that out.
• It Can Include Funeral and Burial Instructions:
  • Want to be cremated? Prefer a simple memorial service? This letter lets you express those personal wishes, so your family knows exactly what you’d like.
  • You can even include details like music you’d like played or how you’d like donations to be handled in your memory.

How Does It Fit With Your Will or Trust?

Think of it as a companion to your will or trust. While those documents handle the legal side of things, this letter adds some personal touches and details that might not fit into formal documents. It’s also a great way to help your executor or trustee carry out your wishes smoothly, giving them practical guidance beyond the legal wording.

What Should You Include in a Personal Letter of Direction?

Here’s a quick guide to what you might want to include:

• Introduction: Start by explaining why you’re writing the letter and how it fits into your overall estate plan.
• Personal Property Distribution: List specific items and who should receive them. The more specific, the better—it’ll help avoid confusion or misunderstandings among family members.
• Burial and Funeral Instructions: This is where you can get into your personal preferences for how you’d like your funeral or memorial service to go. Whether it’s choosing between burial or cremation or picking a specific song for the service, this is the spot to share those details.
• Other Personal Wishes: Feel free to include any other messages or instructions that wouldn’t normally go into a will or trust, like personal notes to your loved ones.
• Closing: Sign and date the letter. Even though it’s not legally binding, adding your signature can show that you’re serious about your wishes.

Example of a Personal Letter of Direction

Personal Letter of Direction

Date: [Insert Date]

To my family and executor,

This letter is to share my wishes for how my personal belongings should be distributed and to outline my preferences for my funeral arrangements. It’s not legally binding, but I hope it helps make things a little easier and clearer for you.

Distribution of Personal Property:

1. I would like my engagement ring to go to my daughter, Jane Doe.
2. My grandfather’s pocket watch should go to my son, John Doe.
3. The antique dining table should go to my sister, Mary Smith.
4. My book collection should be divided between Jane and John however they choose.

Funeral and Burial Instructions:

1. I wish to be cremated, and I’d love for my ashes to be scattered at my favorite hiking spot in [Location].
2. I prefer a simple memorial service with just close family and friends. Please play “Amazing Grace” during the service.
3. Instead of flowers, please ask that memorial contributions be donated to [Charity Name].

Other Personal Wishes:

1. I just want you all to know how much I love you and how grateful I am for the time we shared. Please remember the good times and take care of each other.

Thank you for respecting my wishes.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]

Why Write a Personal Letter of Direction?

• It Provides Clarity: Having your wishes written down can prevent misunderstandings or disagreements among your family, making things smoother for everyone.
• It Adds a Personal Touch: This letter lets you express personal feelings and wishes that wouldn’t normally go into a formal document like a will or trust.
• It’s Easy to Update: Whenever your preferences change, you can simply update the letter—no need for legal paperwork or formalities.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind:

• It’s Not Legally Binding: While it’s a great supplement to your will or trust, it doesn’t replace the need for those formal documents. Be sure your legal estate planning is up to date to cover all the important aspects.
• Communication is Key: Make sure your executor, trustee, and close family members know about the letter and where to find it. This will ensure your wishes are followed.

Including a Personal Letter of Direction in your estate planning can bring peace of mind to you and guidance to your loved ones. It’s a personal and thoughtful way to make sure your wishes are understood and respected.

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