During the process of writing or amending your Will, you may well find that you would like to write
down some final words to your loved ones. Whilst not legally binding in any way, a ‘letter of wishes’
is often a good way to record any last words or wishes. Due to the fact that a letter of wishes is not
legally binding, it can be written in any format you wish. Many people in Finchingfield choose to use
a traditional letter format in order to personalise their letters to the intended recipient or recipients.
Furthermore, you are not limited to one letter of wishes. It is perfectly acceptable to write separate
letters of wishes to several individuals.

Letter to Guardian(s)

You may wish to write a detailed letter of wishes to someone who has been named as guardian to
your children in order to provide them with an overview of your child’s needs or your parenting
preferences for them. Your letter could also include your preferences for your child’s future
education, stipulations regarding any money that you have left for your children, religious
preferences, or even items of sentimental value such as a favourite family recipe.

Letter to a spouse or significant other

Some people may wish to leave the last letter to their spouse or another significant person in their life.
By ensuring that it is stored safely with your Will, should guarantee that your loved one will
receive the letter when you die.

Letter to beneficiaries

Whomever you leave your belongings to, you may want to include a letter of wishes to suggest how
your beneficiaries choose to use their inheritance. This is especially common for cash gifts within a
Will. It is important to remember however that a letter of wishes is not legally binding and therefore
your beneficiary may choose to ignore your requests. Alternatively, you may wish to explain why you
have left certain items to a certain individual. You may not feel comfortable discussing such matters,
or you may wish to keep the contents of your Will private until you die. Therefore it may be a
comfort to your loved ones to know that the items that they have received from you hold some
sentimental significance.

There are many reasons that you may want to include a letter of wishes to be read alongside your
Will to set out your final words. If you would like to discuss writing a letter of wishes or require any advice regarding making or
amending your Will, contact Andrew Douglas Wills and Legal Services today. We welcome inquiries
from Finchingfield as well as the surrounding areas of Essex. Call today to arrange your free
consultation.

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