Letters of Instruction: What They Are and How They Help | Northern Virginia Will and Trust Lawyer

Outlining your final wishes is essential to ensure that your assets are passed to their intended recipients as smoothly as possible after you die. If you have done the diligent work of putting your estate plan into place, you may believe that you have completed all the necessary steps. However, while you may believe your plan is straightforward, it might not be as clear to your loved ones. Even if you have spoken to your family and the executor of your estate about your plans, they may be unsure how to implement them.

To avoid confusion about your intentions, you may find it helpful to write a letter of instruction for your estate plan. Keep reading to learn more about why letters of instruction are essential, or contact us to speak to a Northern Virginia will and trust lawyer today.

What Is a Letter of Instruction? 

A letter of instruction is a document that outlines for your family members and your executor what steps to take to settle your affairs. While your will and other estate planning documents may outline what needs to be done, they likely do not explain how to do it.

Figuring out precisely what to do to honor your wishes can be difficult for family members and friends who are grieving. Having step-by-step instructions can alleviate unnecessary stress.

A letter of instruction can explain what needs to happen to:

• Contact your advisors
• Organize your finances
• Settle your debts
• Distribute your assets
• Preserve personal documents
• Cancel subscriptions and services
• File insurance claims
• Close accounts

How to Write a Letter of Instruction 

A letter of instruction is not a legal document, so there are no rules that must be followed when writing it. In fact, it does not have to be a letter at all. You can write several short notes, record videos or audio, or even make spreadsheets that outline what needs to happen after your death.

In general, however, letters of instruction are most helpful if they cover the following three topics:

• How to manage your finances – This section of the letter can include information about your various accounts, contact information for financial advisors, your debit and credit card PINs, and any business affairs that need to be managed.
• How to collect and distribute your assets – If you provide your family with an inventory of your assets, information on how to access them, and their intended recipients, you will save them time and energy.
• How to fulfill your wishes – This section should cover your funeral service wishes, where you would like to be buried or to have your ashes spread, and how you would like your legacy to be communicated.

Contact a Northern Virginia Will and Trust Lawyer

 A letter of instruction can be a crucial component of an estate plan because it ensures that your wishes will be honored and decreases the stress your loved ones will face after you die. An experienced Northern Virginia will and trust lawyer can help you craft a document that is as clear and thorough as possible. Contact us at 703-492-9955 to schedule an appointment and we will help guide you through the process.