✅
Free Compliance Tool
UK Letter of Wishes Compliance Checklist
Add personal guidance to your will with a Letter of Wishes. This interactive checklist covers document purpose, personal messages explaining your decisions, funeral and memorial preferences, distribution guidance for sentimental items, guardian guidance for children, digital assets management, business affairs wishes, and storage recommendations. This checklist covers 42 key points for creating a comprehensive Letter of Wishes.
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How to Use This Checklist
Click each checkbox to mark items as complete. Your progress is automatically saved to your browser. Use this checklist to create a comprehensive Letter of Wishes that provides clear guidance to your executors and beneficiaries.
✅ Creating Your Letter of Wishes
1. Before starting: Review your will and identify areas needing explanation
2. While completing: Be honest and clear in your explanations
3. After completion: Store with your will and tell executors about it
🔵 What is a Letter of Wishes?
A Letter of Wishes is a non-binding document that accompanies your will. It provides personal guidance and explanations to help executors understand your intentions and make decisions aligned with your values. Unlike your will, it can be updated easily and covers personal preferences that might be too detailed or changeable for your will.
⚠️ Important: Non-Binding Nature
Not Legally Binding: A Letter of Wishes is guidance, not a legal requirement. Executors should typically follow it, but can deviate if circumstances change or following it would be impractical. Your will remains the legally binding document. Use your Letter of Wishes for preferences, explanations, and guidance rather than essential legal instructions.
UK Letter of Wishes Compliance Checklist
42 Points | www.templatesuk.com
1. Document Purpose & Format (5 items)
Clearly Titled "Letter of Wishes"?Use clear heading: "Letter of Wishes for [Your Name]" or "Personal Guidance for My Executors". This distinguishes it from your will and makes its purpose clear. Don't call it "Codicil" (that's a will amendment) or "Letter of Instruction" (sounds legally binding).
Title your document clearly as "Letter of Wishes" to distinguish it from your legally binding will. This establishes that it's guidance rather than legal requirements, preventing confusion about its status.
🔴 Critical
State Non-Binding Nature?Include statement: "This Letter of Wishes is not legally binding. It provides personal guidance to help my executors understand my intentions. I recognise executors may need to deviate if circumstances change." This protects executors from claims they "must" follow it rigidly.
Clearly state at the beginning that this is a non-binding document providing guidance only. Example: "This letter provides personal guidance and is not legally binding. My executors may use their discretion." This manages expectations and protects executors.
🔴 Critical
Reference to Your Will?Include statement: "This letter relates to my Last Will and Testament dated [date]. If any conflict arises between this letter and my will, my will takes precedence." This establishes relationship and priority clearly.
Reference your will specifically: "This letter accompanies my Last Will and Testament dated [date]." This links the documents and clarifies that your will remains the primary legal document.
🟡 Important
Signed and Dated?Sign and date at the end. Although not legally required to be witnessed (it's not a will), your signature adds weight and shows it genuinely reflects your wishes. Update the date whenever you revise it.
Sign and date your Letter of Wishes at the end. While not legally required to be witnessed like a will, your signature shows authenticity and helps executors know it reflects your genuine wishes.
🟡 Important
Addressed to Executors?Start with: "To my executors, [names]" or "Dear [executor names]". This makes clear who should read and follow this guidance. Makes it personal and direct rather than just a formal document.
Address the letter to your named executors directly. Example: "To my executors, Sarah Smith and John Jones." This personalises the guidance and makes it clear who should consider these wishes.
🔵 Recommended
2. Personal Messages & Explanations (6 items)
Explain Specific Gifts?Example: "I left my mother's ring to Emma because she always admired it and spent time caring for my mother." Or: "I left £10,000 to James because he supported me through difficult times." Prevents: "Why did Dad leave her the ring? That's not fair!"
Explain reasoning behind specific gifts, especially those that might seem unusual or unfair. Example: "I left my mother's jewellery to Sarah because she spent years caring for her." This prevents disputes and hurt feelings among beneficiaries.
🟡 Important
Explain Unequal Distribution?Example: "I left more to Tom than Sarah because I helped Sarah buy her house 10 years ago, and this balances things out." Or: "I left less to Michael because he earns significantly more than his siblings." Honesty prevents lasting resentment.
If distributing unequally among children or beneficiaries, explain your reasoning honestly. Example: "I gave more to Tom because I helped Sarah buy a house previously." Reduces perception of favouritism and family conflict.
🟡 Important
Explain Excluded Beneficiaries?Example: "I have not provided for my son David because we have been estranged for 15 years and he has made clear he wants no contact." Without explanation, excluded person might challenge will claiming "Dad forgot me" or "This can't be right."
If you've excluded someone who might expect to inherit (e.g. estranged child), explain why. This evidence helps defend against will challenges. Example: "I have not provided for X because we have been estranged for many years."
🟡 Important
Family Dynamics Context?Example: "My daughter Emma manages money well but Sarah struggles financially. I've set up a trust for Sarah not because I love her less, but to protect her from her difficulties with spending." Or: "Tom and Michael haven't spoken in years. I suggest distributing their inheritances separately to avoid conflict."
Provide context about family relationships that might affect distribution. Example: "I've left assets in trust for my daughter because she struggles with money management - this protects her, not punishes her." Helps executors navigate sensitive situations.
🔵 Recommended
Relationship Explanations?Example: "Although Jane is not biologically related, she cared for me for 20 years and I consider her family." Or: "I've left more to my stepchildren than to my nephews because the stepchildren were part of my daily life." Prevents: "Who is this Jane person getting Dad's money?"
Explain relationships that might not be obvious. Example: "Although Jane is not family by blood, she cared for me for 20 years." This context helps beneficiaries understand your decisions and accept them.
🔵 Recommended
Personal Values & Priorities?Example: "I've always believed education is the foundation of success. That's why I've set aside funds specifically for my grandchildren's university education." Or: "I care deeply about animal welfare, which is why I've left a donation to Battersea Dogs Home."
Share your values that influenced your decisions. Example: "I've always valued education, which is why I've left funds for my grandchildren's university fees." Helps beneficiaries understand the reasoning behind your choices.
🔵 Recommended
3. Funeral & Memorial Wishes (7 items)
Burial or Cremation Preference?Be clear: "I wish to be cremated" or "I wish to be buried at [location]". If cremated, specify what happens to ashes: scattered at favourite place, kept by family, buried in family plot. Prevents family arguments about "what Mum would have wanted".
State clearly whether you prefer burial or cremation. If cremation, specify what should happen to your ashes (scattered, buried, kept by family). Example: "I wish to be cremated and my ashes scattered at [location]."
🟡 Important
Location Preferences?Example: "I'd like to be buried in St Mary's churchyard where my parents are buried" or "I'd like my ashes scattered in the Lake District where I hiked for 40 years." Gives family clear direction rather than debating between 5 different places.
Specify preferred locations. For burial: which cemetery or churchyard. For cremation: where ashes should be scattered or buried. Example: "I'd like my ashes scattered at Windermere, where I spent many happy holidays."
🔵 Recommended
Service Type & Scale?Be specific: "I'd like a small family service at [place]" or "I'd like a celebration of life at [venue] open to all friends" or "I don't want a service - just immediate family at crematorium." Prevents family stress deciding between big service vs intimate gathering.
Describe the type of service you want: religious/secular, large gathering/small family only, formal/informal. Example: "I'd like a simple humanist ceremony with close family only, followed by a wake at [location]."
🔵 Recommended
Music and Readings?Example: "I'd like 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' played at my service" or "Please include Poem 'Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep'". Specific requests mean family doesn't spend hours debating "What music would Dad have wanted?"
Suggest specific music, poems, or readings that are meaningful to you. Example: "I'd like 'My Way' by Frank Sinatra and Poem 23 read at my service." Personal touches that reflect your life and values.
🔵 Recommended
Who Should Attend?Example: "Please invite my work colleagues from XYZ Company" or "I'd prefer family only - no public announcement." Or: "Please do NOT invite my estranged brother." Gives clear guidance, prevents awkward situations.
Specify who should be invited: family only, friends and colleagues welcome, or specific people you want/don't want present. Helps executors handle sensitive relationships. Example: "Please invite my book club members."
🔵 Recommended
Flowers or Charitable Donations?Example: "Family flowers only, donations to British Heart Foundation" or "No flowers - I'd prefer donations to Macmillan Cancer Support." Prevents: £500 spent on flowers when you'd rather that money went to charity.
State preference for funeral flowers or charitable donations. Example: "Family flowers only. Donations to [charity name] welcome." Many people prefer donations to causes they cared about rather than flowers.
🔵 Recommended
Memorial Preferences?Example: "I'd like a bench at [location] with plaque" or "I'd like a tree planted in memory" or "No memorial needed." Or: "I'd like my name added to the family headstone." Prevents family spending £2,000 on memorial you wouldn't have wanted.
Specify if you want a memorial: headstone, plaque, memorial bench, tree planting, or nothing. Example: "I'd like a simple headstone with [inscription]" or "I don't want a memorial - spend the money on something useful."
🔵 Recommended
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4. Distribution Guidance for Executors (6 items)
Sentimental Items Distribution?Example: "My mother's engagement ring should go to Sarah. My father's watch to Tom. My photo albums to whoever wants them." Prevents huge family rows over items worth £50 that carry emotional weight worth £1,000,000.
Provide guidance on distributing personal items not specifically mentioned in will. Example: "I'd like my mother's ring to go to my eldest daughter, my father's watch to my son." Prevents family disputes over sentimental items.
🟡 Important
Heirlooms & Family History?Example: "The grandfather clock has been in the family for 4 generations and I'd like it to stay in the family. I hope Sarah will pass it to her children." Or: "The family Bible contains birth/death records going back to 1850 - please keep it safe."
Explain history and significance of family heirlooms. Example: "The grandfather clock has been in the family for 5 generations. I hope it will be passed down to future generations." Helps beneficiaries appreciate their value beyond money.
🔵 Recommended
Collections Handling?Example: "My stamp collection is valuable (approx £5,000). Please get it valued by specialist dealer before selling." Or: "My book collection - offer books to family first, then donate rest to local library." Prevents: Collection sold at car boot sale for £20 when worth £2,000.
Provide guidance on collections (stamps, coins, art, books). Example: "My stamp collection should be professionally valued. The coins can be divided among grandchildren." Ensures collections are handled appropriately.
🔵 Recommended
Personal Effects Distribution?Example: "Let family choose items they'd like as keepsakes before selling the rest" or "My clothes can be donated to charity except my wedding dress which I'd like Sarah to have." Simple but prevents "Who gets Mum's jewellery box?" arguments.
Guide executors on handling personal effects (clothes, jewellery, photographs). Example: "Allow family members to choose meaningful keepsakes before donating the rest to charity." Prevents waste and arguments.
🔵 Recommended
Timing of Distributions?Example: "I suggest giving Sarah her inheritance in stages - £10k now, rest at age 25" or "I'd prefer Tom receives his share after completing rehab." Not binding, but gives executors permission to use discretion if circumstances warrant it.
Suggest timing for distributions if relevant. Example: "I'd prefer my grandchildren receive their inheritance at age 25 rather than 18, to give them time to mature." Guidance for executors managing trusts.
🔵 Recommended
Conditional Guidance?Example: "If Tom is still struggling with addiction when I die, I suggest holding his inheritance in trust until he's been clean for 2 years." Or: "If Sarah is still in university, use funds to support her studies first." Gives executors flexibility.
Provide guidance for changing circumstances. Example: "If any beneficiary is going through financial difficulty, executors may advance funds early to help." Allows executors to respond to real situations appropriately.
🔵 Recommended
5. Guardian Guidance for Children (5 items)
Parenting Philosophy?Example: "I've always believed in independence and letting children learn from mistakes" or "I value education and creativity over strict discipline." Helps guardians understand your approach so they can continue it where possible.
Share your parenting values and philosophy. Example: "I believe in encouraging independence while providing emotional support." Helps guardians understand your approach and continue raising children consistent with your values.
🟡 Important
Education Preferences?Example: "I'd like the children to stay at their current school if possible" or "I'd prefer state education over private" or "I hope they'll consider university but it should be their choice." Guidance on major education decisions.
Provide guidance on education decisions. Example: "I'd like my children to attend their current school if practical, and I hope funds will support university if they choose to go." Helps guardians make choices aligned with your wishes.
🟡 Important
Religious or Cultural Wishes?Example: "I'd like the children to continue attending church on Sundays" or "I hope they'll maintain their connection to their Chinese heritage through language lessons" or "I'm not religious and don't want them pressured into faith."
Express preferences about religious or cultural upbringing. Example: "I'd like my children to maintain connection with their Jewish heritage through cultural activities, but religious observance should be their choice." Balances heritage with freedom.
🔵 Recommended
Activities & Interests?Example: "Emma loves football - I hope she can continue playing in her team" or "Tom has piano lessons - I'd like these to continue if he wants." Helps maintain normalcy and continuity in children's lives during difficult transition.
Mention children's current activities and interests. Example: "Sarah loves her dance classes and I hope she can continue these." Helps guardians maintain continuity and support children's development during difficult transition.
🔵 Recommended
Contact with Extended Family?Example: "I'd like the children to maintain regular contact with their grandparents on both sides" or "I'd prefer the children have limited contact with my brother due to his substance issues." Guidance on managing family relationships.
Provide guidance on maintaining family relationships. Example: "I'd like my children to maintain regular contact with their grandparents and see their cousins during school holidays." Helps guardians balance family connections.
🔵 Recommended
6. Digital Assets & Accounts (5 items)
List of Digital Accounts?Example list: Email accounts (Gmail, Outlook), Social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram), Banking apps, Subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify), Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox), Online shopping accounts. Executors need to know what exists to close/manage properly.
List your digital accounts that executors should know about: email, social media, online banking, subscriptions, cloud storage. Example: "I have Gmail, Facebook, LinkedIn, and iCloud accounts." Helps executors manage digital estate.
🟡 Important
Access Information Location?Example: "All passwords stored in password manager - master password is in my safe" or "Login details in notebook in desk drawer." DON'T write actual passwords here - just tell executors where to find access info.
Tell executors where to find login credentials. Example: "My passwords are stored in LastPass password manager. The master password is in the safe with my will." DO NOT write actual passwords in Letter of Wishes.
🟡 Important
Social Media Wishes?Options: "Delete my Facebook account" or "Memorialise my Facebook (allows others to post memories)" or "Download my photos then delete account." Facebook/Instagram have memorial policies - tell executors what you want.
State preferences for social media accounts after death. Example: "Please close my Facebook account" or "Please memorialise my Facebook account so friends can share memories." Different platforms have different options.
🔵 Recommended
Email Accounts Management?Example: "Please send auto-reply to my email explaining I've passed away, then close account after 3 months" or "Please check email for final bills/payments, then close account." Prevents important messages being lost.
Provide guidance on email accounts. Example: "Please check my main email for outstanding bills or important messages, then set an auto-reply and close the account after 3 months." Ensures nothing important missed.
🔵 Recommended
Digital Photos & Files?Example: "All family photos are in Google Photos - please download and give copies to my children" or "My writing/stories are in Dropbox folder 'Creative Writing' - children may want these." Digital memories can be lost forever without guidance.
Specify what should happen to digital photos and files. Example: "My family photos are in Google Photos. Please download these and share with my children." Digital memories are valuable to family.
🔵 Recommended
7. Business Affairs Guidance (4 items)
Business Transition Wishes?Example: "I'd like my business partner Sarah to have first option to buy my shares at fair market value" or "I hope Tom will take over running the shop if he wants to" or "Please sell the business as going concern if possible."
If you own a business, provide guidance on transition. Example: "I'd prefer my business partner has first option to purchase my shares" or "I hope the business can continue operating rather than being liquidated." Helps preserve value.
🟡 Important
Key Business Contacts?Example: "Business accountant: John Smith at ABC Accounting (01234 567890). Solicitor: Jane Brown at XYZ Legal. Landlord: Mr White. Key supplier: DEF Company." Executors need these contacts to wind down/transition business properly.
List key business contacts executors may need: accountant, solicitor, business partner, landlord, key suppliers, main clients. Example: "My business accountant is John Smith at [firm] - he knows the business well."
🟡 Important
Client Relationships?Example: "My clients have long-standing relationships with me. Please contact them personally to explain transition, and refer them to [colleague] who can continue their work." Shows respect for clients and helps preserve business goodwill.
Provide guidance on handling client relationships. Example: "My clients should be personally contacted and offered referrals to [colleague] who can continue their work." Protects client relationships and business reputation.
🔵 Recommended
Staff Considerations?Example: "My assistant Sarah has worked for me for 10 years - please give her 3 months' notice and good reference" or "Staff should be offered redundancy in line with employment law plus an ex-gratia £1,000 each for loyalty."
If you employ staff, provide guidance on handling redundancies fairly. Example: "Please offer staff fair redundancy packages and provide good references." Treats staff with dignity during difficult time.
🔵 Recommended
8. Storage & Maintenance (4 items)
Store with Your Will?Best practice: Keep Letter of Wishes WITH your will in same safe/solicitor's office/storage location. Label envelope: "Letter of Wishes - to be read with my will." Executors find both documents together, nothing gets overlooked.
Store your Letter of Wishes with your will in the same secure location. This ensures executors find it when they need it. Example: "Keep in fireproof safe with will" or "Store at solicitor's office with will."
🔴 Critical
Tell Executors About It?Tell executors: "I've written a Letter of Wishes that's stored with my will at [location]. Please read it alongside my will - it explains my reasoning and provides guidance." Common problem: Letter exists but nobody knows about it.
Inform your executors that a Letter of Wishes exists and where to find it. Example: "I've told my executors about this letter and where it's stored." Prevents it being overlooked.
🔴 Critical
Update Regularly?Review Letter of Wishes every 2-3 years or after major life events: birth of grandchild, family estrangement, changed funeral wishes, new business interests. Unlike will, you can update Letter of Wishes easily without formal witnessing.
Review and update your Letter of Wishes regularly (every 2-3 years or after major life changes). Unlike your will, a Letter of Wishes can be updated easily without formal witnessing. Just date the new version clearly.
🟡 Important
Version Control?Each time you update, clearly mark new version: "Letter of Wishes - Updated May 2026 (Replaces version dated June 2023)." Destroy old versions to prevent confusion. Executors need to know which is current.
When updating, clearly date the new version and note it replaces previous versions. Example: "This Letter of Wishes dated [date] replaces all previous versions." Prevents confusion about which is current.
🟡 Important
A free tool provided by 
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Complete Letter of Wishes template — all sections included, professionally drafted.
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£10 — Own It Forever
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Next Steps
Now that you've reviewed the compliance checklist, you have two options:
✅ Use Our Ready-Made Template
Create your Letter of Wishes with our professionally drafted template. Covers all 42 key points with sections for personal messages, funeral wishes, distribution guidance, guardian guidance, digital assets, and business affairs. Available in both Smart Interview (guided) and Classic Editor (direct editing) modes for just £10. Preview the full template with watermark before you buy. Get the template →
📝 Create Your Own Letter of Wishes
Use this checklist as your guide. Remember to store it with your will, tell your executors about it, and update it regularly. A Letter of Wishes is non-binding guidance - it complements but doesn't replace your will.
🔗
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
General information about Letters of Wishes in England & Wales
What is a Letter of Wishes?
A Letter of Wishes is a non-binding document that accompanies your will. It provides personal guidance and explanations to help executors understand your intentions. Unlike your will, it can be easily updated and covers preferences that might be too detailed or subject to change for your will.
Is a Letter of Wishes legally binding?
No. A Letter of Wishes is guidance only, not legally binding. Executors typically follow it where practical, but can deviate if circumstances change or following it would be impractical. Your will remains the legally binding document for asset distribution.
Do I need a solicitor to write a Letter of Wishes?
No. A Letter of Wishes is an informal document you can write yourself. It doesn't require witnessing like a will. Our template provides structure and ensures you cover all important areas, but you can write one in any format.
What should I include in a Letter of Wishes?
Include explanations for your will decisions, funeral preferences, guidance on sentimental items, guardian guidance for children, digital asset wishes, and any personal messages. It's your opportunity to provide context and explain reasoning that wouldn't fit in your formal will.
How often should I update my Letter of Wishes?
Review every 2-3 years or after major life changes: birth of grandchildren, family relationships changing, new funeral wishes, or changed views on distributions. Unlike a will, you can update a Letter of Wishes easily without formal witnessing - just date the new version clearly.
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Disclaimer: This checklist is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to keep information accurate and up to date, every situation is unique. A Letter of Wishes is non-binding guidance and should accompany, not replace, a properly executed will. Last updated: May 2026.