Estate Planning
A letter of instruction is an informal document that lets your loved ones know what to do after your death. While no one wants to focus on such a somber subject, death is a natural part of life. So, preparing for it makes sense. And taking this step can alleviate stress and prevent family squabbles about sentimental items you leave behind.
Although a letter of instruction includes important personal and financial information, it is not legally binding. So, it won’t replace your need to create a will or a living trust. However, it can be a nice addition to such documents. And the informal nature allows you to create the letter on your own, making changes to it whenever necessary. The letter should be kept up to date, as life circumstances change over time.
Some of the information to include in a letter of instruction
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Funeral and Burial Arrangements
The first thing to include in your letter of intent is information about your funeral and burial arrangements. Include plans you’ve already made, or wishes. This info can be invaluable to grieving family members. You could note the type of funeral service you’d like, including who should officiate and special things to include such as music. If you prefer cremation to burial, include that in your letter, as well.
Don’t forget to include a list of people to contact when you pass. Also, include their contact information, if available. You might also include wishes for donations to specific charities in your memory, if applicable.
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Financial Information
Bank account numbers along with usernames and passwords, assets you hold title to, and other accounts can greatly aid family members in carrying out the provisions made in your estate plan. Include names and phone numbers of professionals who can help locate your accounts or who helped you plan. The location of other important documents should also be included with your letter of intent. These could include (but are not limited to) birth certificates, social security account information, financial statements, marriage license, divorce documents, and military paperwork. In addition, note information relative to mortgages and other debts.
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Digital Information
These days, many accounts have transitioned to the digital world. Therefore, don’t fail to leave leaving information about your electronic assets. Your list should include usernames and passwords for digital accounts, social media accounts, and the devices, themselves.
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Personal Items
Family members can argue about material objects after a loved one dies. Leaving a letter of intent with details about who should receive personal effects (including collections, important personal items, and other things that have negligible monetary value) can calm the storm. In this section of the letter, you can also include information about pet care. and can address specific family members.
A letter of intent is an important piece of your overall estate plan and should be written with the help of an estate planning attorney, such as Vic Skvarna at Skvarna Law Firm, to make sure the letter will compliment instead of contradicting your estate plan. If you would like help creating your estate plan or a letter of intent, please feel free to contact us.
About Skvarna Law
If you would like to know more about estate planning, call Skvarna Law Firm. We operate offices in Glendora and Upland, California and provide legal services for individuals living in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties. This includes the cities of Upland, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Colton, Rialto, Chino, Chino Hills, Glendora, Claremont, Montclair, Pomona, La Verne, San Dimas, Azusa, Covina, West Covina, Diamond Bar, Walnut, La Puente, Corona, Norco & Mira Loma. Visit SkvarnaLaw.com to learn more.
