Planning for the future, especially beyond one’s lifetime, is a task that requires delicacy, detail, and depth. A key part of this process is creating a letter of final instructions. This letter serves as a guide for your loved ones after your passing, simplifying their tasks during a challenging time.
In this blog, we will explore what this letter is, its purpose, and the critical elements it should contain.
What Is It?
A letter of final instructions is a document that outlines your wishes and provides essential information to facilitate the management of your affairs after your death. It’s crucial to remember that this letter is not legally binding. Rather, it complements your will or trust, providing additional guidance and clarity for your survivors.
The primary purpose of this letter is to ease the burden on your loved ones during a time of grief. It gives them a clear roadmap of your desires regarding your assets, personal belongings, and final arrangements, preventing potential disagreements or confusion.
Letter of Final Instructions Elements
1.) Funeral and Burial Preferences: Detail your desires concerning your funeral or memorial service. Specify your choice between burial and cremation and any particular rites or ceremonies you wish to be included.
2.) Location of Important Documents: List where your loved ones can find your vital documents, such as your will, insurance policies, deeds, financial documents, tax returns, and birth certificate.
3.) Financial Information: Provide a comprehensive list of your assets and liabilities. Include information about bank accounts, investments, credit card accounts, mortgages, and loans. Be sure to include account numbers and contact information for each institution.
4.) Online Accounts: We live in a digital age, and our online presence lives on after us. Provide information about your email accounts, social media, and other online platforms, along with usernames and passwords.
5.) Personal Belongings: Mention specific personal items you want to give to particular individuals. While your will should include major assets, use this letter to dictate the distribution of items with sentimental value.
6.) Contacts: Provide a list of important contacts, such as your lawyer, financial advisor, accountant, insurance agent, and any other individuals who can assist in settling your affairs.
7.) Pet Care: If you have pets, specify who should care for them and provide details about their diet, health, and any special needs.
8.) Personal Messages: A letter of final instructions also serves as an opportunity to leave personal messages to your loved ones. Sharing your sentiments can provide comfort and closure.
Creating a letter of final instructions takes time and thought but think of it as a final act of love. It’s a way to ease the burden on your family and ensure your wishes are known and respected.
Access Our Complimentary Estate Planning Worksheet
We have innumerable resources on the site that you can access to help you gain a more thorough understanding of the estate planning process. One of them is our estate planning worksheet, and we urge you to take advantage of it.
This worksheet has been carefully prepared to convey some key information in a very understandable way. There is no charge to access this resource, and you can visit our estate planning worksheet page to get your copy.
Schedule a Consultation!
Action is required if you are currently going through life without an estate plan. When you work with our firm, we will learn about your situation and your legacy goals and help you devise a tailor-made plan that is ideal for you and your family.
Subsequently, we will be available to make adjustments if and when they become necessary, and we can be engaged to assist during the estate administration process. We greatly value the relationships that we build with our clients, and we go the extra mile to provide total peace of mind.
If you are ready to get started, you can schedule a consultation at our Westport or Glastonbury, CT estate planning office if you call us at 860-548-1000. There is also a contact form on this website you can use to send us a message, and if you reach out electronically, you will receive a prompt response.
Mr. McCann is licensed to practice before the courts of the State of Connecticut. He is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.
Mr. McCann provides to his clients, trust and estate planning, and trust and estate administration services. Formerly, Mr. McCann was an adjunct professor of economics in the State of Connecticut Community College system, and a Commissioner of the Town of Simsbury Zoning Board of Appeals.