Letter of intent (estate planning)

A letter of intent (also called a letter of instruction or letter of wishes) is a personal, non-legally-binding document that supplements your will and trust by providing detailed guidance, context, and personal wishes to your executor, trustee, and family members. While it carries no legal weight, it is often described by estate planning attorneys as one of the most valuable documents in an estate plan because it fills in the gaps that formal legal documents cannot address — explaining the "...

47 steps across 7 sections

1. Personal Wishes and Values

  • Your philosophy on wealth, family, charity, education, and what matters most to you.
  • An explanation of your estate plan decisions — especially if anything might seem unfair or confusing (e.g., unequal distributions, disinheritance, reasons for choosing a particular guardian for you...
  • Your wishes for your family's future: staying close, maintaining family traditions, education priorities, career guidance.
  • Personal messages to individual family members, friends, or mentors.
  • Ethical will elements: stories, life lessons, values you want to pass on.

2. Asset and Financial Details

  • A comprehensive list of all financial accounts: bank accounts, brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, HSAs, 529 plans, annuities.
  • Real estate properties with addresses, mortgage information, and management contacts.
  • Business interests: ownership percentages, operating agreements, key personnel, succession plans.
  • Outstanding debts and loans: mortgage, auto loans, student loans, personal loans, credit cards.
  • Location of important documents: will, trust, deeds, titles, insurance policies, tax returns.
  • Safe deposit box location and how to access it.
  • Names and contact information for key advisors: attorney, CPA/accountant, financial advisor, insurance agent, banker.

3. Digital Accounts and Passwords

  • Email accounts (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc.).
  • Social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn) and your wishes for memorialization or deletion.
  • Online banking and investment accounts.
  • Subscription services (streaming, software, memberships).
  • Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud).
  • Cryptocurrency wallets: platform, wallet type, and how to access (but store seed phrases/private keys separately and securely).
  • Password manager: which service you use and the master password or recovery mechanism.
  • Domain names and websites you own.

4. Pet Care Instructions

  • Each pet's name, breed, age, and temperament.
  • Veterinarian name and contact information.
  • Feeding schedule, dietary restrictions, medications.
  • Preferred caretaker if you can't care for them.
  • Financial provision for the pet's care (reference any pet trust if applicable).
  • Special instructions: exercise needs, behavioral quirks, favorite things.

5. Funeral and Memorial Preferences

  • Burial vs. cremation preference and any pre-arrangements already made.
  • Funeral home or service provider if already selected.
  • Location preferences for burial, scattering of ashes, or memorial.
  • Type of service: religious, secular, celebration of life, private, public.
  • Music, readings, or speakers you'd like included.
  • Obituary preferences: where to publish, what to include, photo selections.
  • Organ and tissue donation wishes (also note if documented on driver's license or in an advance directive).
  • Charitable donations in lieu of flowers.
  • Clothing or personal items to be buried/cremated with.

6. Family Context and Relationships

  • Family dynamics that your executor should understand (estrangements, sensitivities, potential conflicts).
  • Information about dependents: special needs, medical conditions, educational requirements.
  • Children from multiple relationships: how you want them treated and why.
  • Gifts or loans you've already made to family members during your lifetime.
  • Family heirlooms: the history and sentimental significance of specific items and who should receive them.
  • Contact information for people who should be notified of your death but may not be in your normal contacts.

7. Practical Information

  • Location of keys (home, office, safe deposit box, storage unit).
  • Home maintenance information: alarm codes, HVAC service providers, lawn care, pool maintenance.
  • Vehicle information: location, title, registration, loan details.
  • Insurance policies: life, health, auto, home, umbrella — policy numbers and agent contacts.
  • Tax professional and accountant contact information; location of recent tax returns.
  • Employer information: HR contact, benefits, final paycheck, stock options, deferred compensation.

Common Mistakes

  • Not writing one at all
  • Being too vague
  • Including legally binding directives
  • Contradicting your legal documents
  • Storing passwords insecurely

Pro Tips

  • Start with a free template
  • Write it as a letter, not a legal document
  • Involve your spouse or partner
  • Use a password manager for credentials
  • Record a video supplement

Sources

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