Writing a Letter of Instruction for Your Estate Plan

A comprehensive estate plan often includes writing a last will and testament to transfer your assets to your beneficiaries. Once you’ve passed away, the executor of your will shepherds the will through the probate process, if needed. However, you may have things you’d like to communicate to your loved ones and beneficiaries that you don’t want to include in the will itself. Often, these are informal instructions that will help your executor carry out your wishes. It might also include opinions about your funeral, the values you’d like to be remembered for or a sentimental message to loved ones.

A financial advisor can help you create an estate plan to protect assets for your family.

What Is a Letter of Instruction?

Also known as a letter of intent, a letter of instruction is a document that provides specific information regarding your preferences on anything from medical care to your funeral to the distribution of your assets and property. A letter of instruction isn’t legally binding in any way, unlike a last will. Rather, it’s meant to be something of a crib sheet for the executor of your will or your loved ones. You can use plain English to communicate anything you want regarding the management of your affairs.

Because there is no legal aspect to this document, you are free to also include messages to your family if you wish, and you can touch on matters that you may not be able to include in something like a will or an advance directive.

What Should You Include in Your Letter of Instruction?

A letter of instruction can include any details you choose, but adding key information can make it easier for your executor to manage your estate.

What you decide to include in your letter of instruction is completely up to you. There’s no one piece of information that will qualify or disqualify your letter. That said, there are a handful of things that will make your executor’s life easier when she’s working to probate your estate. This information includes:

A list of all your assets
The location of any assets that may not be readily accessible
All of your account information, including passwords, PIN numbers and account numbers for any bank accounts or retirement accounts you have
Contact information for anyone who helps you with your finances, including attorneys, brokers, bankers and financial advisors
Informal directions about how you would like the executor to disperse some of your assets, typically heirlooms or other sentimental possessions
If you’d prefer people to make donations in lieu of flowers at your funeral, information about which charities you prefer
Where your executor can find your most recent tax returns, Social Security statements, birth certificate and other important documents
Similarly, where your executor can find any real estate titles/deeds or oil and gas leases, etc.
Your Social Security number
Any divorce and/or citizenship papers, or applications thereof
Contact information of any creditors (mortgage, car, etc.) and any insurance companies, particularly if you have a life insurance policy
If you have pets who will need a home, where you would like your executor to send them

From there, you can include any messages or additional preferences that come to you. Some people choose to include a preference for burial or cremation. You might even mention which songs you’d like played at the funeral.

Letter of Instruction vs. Last Will

Although a letter of instruction and a last will discuss similar topics, they are distinct documents with several differences. First and foremost, a letter of instruction isn’t a legal document, while a last will has legal force. State law requires that your executor or administrator follow the terms of your will, whereas no one is required to follow your letter of instruction.

Because of this distinction, a letter of instruction can be much more flexible. You’re essentially just writing a message to an executor or a loved one with helpful information. This is why you can choose to include anything you want.

You can also use plain language in a letter of instruction. In a last will, you’ll need to write in a more formal style. This is because each state and even some counties have regulations dictating the format of a last will. If you don’t meet those regulations, then your will may not be enforceable. Since your letter of instruction would never be enforceable in the first place, you don’t have to worry about adhering to anyone else’s formatting.

A letter of instruction can’t take the place of a last will. If you pass away without a will, but you compose a letter of instruction, a court-appointed administrator will distribute your possessions according to state and county law rather than your letter. You can, however, state in your will that your executor is to follow the terms of your letter of instruction.

How an Advisor Can Help You Create or Assess Your Estate

An estate plan directs how your assets will be managed and distributed. A financial advisor helps ensure that plan fits your financial situation and goals. They review your accounts, property and debts to make sure everything is documented and coordinated with your will or trust.

They also check beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and insurance policies, making sure they are up to date and consistent with your wishes. Overlooked designations can cause conflicts, so this review helps keep your plan clear and enforceable.

Advisors identify potential problems, such as tax exposure or missing documents, and suggest strategies to address them. That may include using trusts, updating powers of attorney or adding insurance to cover the funeral and other costs. Their role is to point out issues before they become burdens for your heirs.

They also coordinate with attorneys and accountants. While they do not draft legal documents, advisors prepare financial details and explain how decisions affect taxes, cash flow and investments, helping you enter those meetings ready to act.

Estate plans need maintenance and a financial advisor can help update yours as your life changes. Marriage, children, divorce or business growth all create new needs. With regular reviews, your estate plan stays practical, efficient and aligned with your long-term goals.

Bottom Line

A letter of instruction helps loved ones understand your wishes and locate important information after you’re gone.

A letter of instruction is not a legal document like a will, but it can help your loved ones by explaining your wishes and sharing personal messages in plain language. And while not legally binding, it can serve as a helpful guide for your family during a difficult time.

“A letter of instruction is nice to include alongside your will to guide and comfort your loved ones,” said Tanza Loudenback, a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®). “You can include personal messages and directions for locating important paperwork to help your family and executor manage affairs more easily after you’re gone.”

Tips for Planning Your Estate

When it comes to planning your own estate, it’s easy to get in over your head. That’s why consulting with a financial advisor can be a huge help. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Before you worry about your estate, make sure you’ve set yourself up for a comfortable and secure retirement. Our retirement calculator will show you whether you’re on pace to save enough to meet your retirement income needs.

Tanza Loudenback, a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), provided the quotes used in this article. Please note that Tanza is not a participant in SmartAsset AMP, is not an employee of SmartAsset and has been compensated. The opinions voiced in the quote(s) are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations.