Letter of Wishes

Personal guidance for the people carrying out your wishes.

A Letter of Wishes helps you share the guidance, information, and personal messages that don't belong in your Will. While it isn't legally binding, it can provide valuable direction to your executors, trustees, your child’s guardian, and loved ones when they need it most.

Whether it's explaining your wishes for your children's upbringing, your funeral preferences, or practical information about your affairs, a Letter of Wishes can become one of the most meaningful parts of your estate plan.

At a Glance

✔ Complements your Will but is a separate document

✔ Provides guidance that isn't appropriate for a Will

✔ Can be updated without changing your Will

✔ Helps your loved ones make decisions with confidence

✔ Forms part of a complete estate plan

Supporting Your Loved Ones Beyond the Legal Documents

Your Will sets out the legal instructions for administering your estate. A Letter of Wishes allows you to provide the personal guidance behind those instructions.

It gives you the opportunity to record your thoughts, preferences, and practical information in one place, helping your loved ones understand not only what you wanted, but why.

Because a Letter of Wishes isn't legally binding, it can be much more flexible than a Will. It can usually be updated as your circumstances change, without the need to formally amend your Will.

For many families, it becomes an invaluable reference during what is often a difficult and emotional time.

A Letter of Wishes isn't legally binding

Instead, it provides guidance to the people you've appointed to carry out your wishes, including your executors, trustees, and your child’s guardian.

While they aren't legally required to follow it, a thoughtfully prepared Letter of Wishes can give them confidence when making decisions about your estate or children.

Common Questions

What is a Letter of Wishes?

A Letter of Wishes is a document that sits alongside your Will and provides guidance to the people you've appointed to manage your affairs.

Unlike a Will, it isn't a legal document that distributes your estate. Instead, it explains your wishes, values, and preferences, helping your loved ones understand the decisions you've made and the approach you'd like them to take.

What can I include in a Letter of Wishes?

Every Letter of Wishes is different, but it may include:

guidance for your executors
information for trustees of a testamentary discretionary trust
your hopes and values for your children
funeral and memorial preferences
information about sentimental items
explanations about decisions made in your Will
details about digital assets and online accounts
important contacts
information about family traditions
practical information that would help your loved ones after your death

Who reads my Letter of Wishes?

Your Letter of Wishes is usually read by the people you've appointed to administer your estate, such as your executors or trustees.

Depending on its contents, it may also be shared with your family members if it helps them understand your wishes.

What is the difference between a Will and a Letter of Wishes?

Your Will contains your legally binding instructions.

Your Letter of Wishes provides personal guidance that supports those instructions.

Together, they help ensure your loved ones understand both your legal wishes and the personal reasons behind them.

Can I leave personal messages for my family?

Yes.

Many people use a Letter of Wishes to leave messages of encouragement, explain family heirlooms, or share stories and memories they want future generations to know.

These personal messages often become treasured keepsakes for loved ones.

Is a Letter of Wishes legally binding?

No.

A Letter of Wishes isn't legally binding and doesn't replace your Will or other estate planning documents.

Instead, it acts as guidance for the people responsible for administering your estate or making decisions about your children.

Why not include these wishes in my Will?

A Will is a legal document that becomes a public court record if probate is required.

A Letter of Wishes allows you to record personal information privately without making it part of your Will.

It can also be updated more easily if your wishes change over time.

Can I update my Letter of Wishes?

Yes.

One of the biggest advantages of a Letter of Wishes is its flexibility.

As your family grows, circumstances change, or new information becomes important, you can update your Letter of Wishes.

Can a Letter of Wishes help if I have young children?

Absolutely.

Many parents use a Letter of Wishes to share the values, routines, traditions, and hopes they have for their children's future.

It can also provide practical information that guardians may find helpful if they become responsible for your children's care.

Do I need a Letter of Wishes?

Many families find it becomes one of the most valuable parts of their estate plan.

If there is information you would like your loved ones to know that doesn't belong in your Will, a Letter of Wishes provides the ideal place to record it.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes People Make With Their Letter of Wishes

Some common mistakes include:

believing it replaces a Will
including legally binding instructions that should be in a Will
forgetting to update it as life changes
recording information in multiple places that becomes inconsistent
not telling anyone where it is stored

A well-prepared Letter of Wishes works alongside your legal documents to give your loved ones practical guidance and peace of mind.

Why Choose Sun Wills & Estates?

Estate Planning That Goes Beyond Legal Documents

Estate planning isn't only about preparing documents.

It's about helping your loved ones navigate one of life's most difficult times with as much clarity and confidence as possible.

Our Estate Workbook (included in our Will Value Packages) includes a comprehensive Letter of Wishes designed to help you record important information, practical guidance, personal messages, and the details your family may need in the future.

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