One Final Letter

The passing of a loved one is never easy, but it may be even more difficult when the documents and instructions that the survivors need to make decisions and manage the aftermath are missing or incomplete.

The last thing most people want is to leave their heirs puzzling over their final wishes. So in addition to having crucial legal estate documents in place, it may be helpful to prepare a letter of instructions to communicate final wishes to loved ones.

A letter of instructions is not a legal document, but it does enable you to clearly state your preferences for many important issues such as organ donation, funeral arrangements, and any other details that are not enumerated in a will or a trust. It can also provide an easy way to list important financial documents and their locations, share final wishes, and provide the names of financial advisors, attorneys, insurance agents, and accountants. The letter might also contain specific information such as account numbers, policy numbers, and login IDs and passwords.

Many of the items in a letter of instructions may be subject to change, so it’s important to review and update the letter periodically. If the letter of instructions includes sensitive information, store it somewhere safe, in a location accessible to family members who may need it at some point.

You don’t need to consult a lawyer when drafting a letter of instructions. And although it doesn’t take the place of a will, a letter of instructions can supplement your other estate documents and help your family and friends manage through a painful transition.

This information is not intended to be legal advice. You should seek legal guidance from an independent legal professional.

The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by StoneRiver–Emerald. © 2009 StoneRiver, Inc.