When you think of estate planning, wills, trusts, and powers of attorney are probably the things that come to your mind. You’re not wrong. While these documents are a critical part of your estate plan in Utah, there is another document that makes life a lot easier for your loved ones.
Yes, we are talking about a letter of instruction for estate planning.
Although it’s not legally binding, your Utah estate planning lawyer may recommend having a letter of instruction. It serves as a personal guide for your family, offering them the details they will need to carry out your wishes without confusion or stress.
Let’s learn what this letter is and what you should include in it.
What Is a Letter of Instruction?
In estate planning, a letter of instruction is an informal document that supplements your plan. It explains, in plain language, the details your loved ones or executor requires to manage your affairs after you pass away or if you become incapacitated.
It’s not filed in court and doesn’t have to follow legal formatting. You can update it anytime without needing any legal help. Think of it as the “how-to” guide for your loved ones after you have kicked the bucket.
Why You Should Include One in Your Estate Plan
Even the most carefully drafted will can’t answer every question. Your will or trust might say who gets the house, but it won’t explain where you keep the keys, alarm codes, or property records.
But a letter of instruction:
- Eases stress for your family during a difficult time.
- Prevents mistakes in managing your accounts or property.
- Clarifies wishes that aren’t spelled out in legal documents.
- Helps your executor complete their job faster and more accurately.
What to Include in Your Letter of Instruction for Estate Planning
Every letter of instruction is unique, but most estate planning attorneys recommend including these core items in yours.
1. Personal and Contact Information
Start with basic details about yourself:
- Full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
- Current address and all phone numbers.
- Contact information for your spouse, children, and other key family members.
You can also include the contact details of your estate planning attorney in Utah, so your family knows who to reach out to right away.
2. Location of Important Documents
After your demise, your executor will need quick access to certain papers. List where they are stored, including:
- Your will and trust documents.
- Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates.
- Property deeds and vehicle titles.
- Insurance policies.
- Military service records, if applicable.
If you’ve worked with an estate planning attorney, they may have copies of these documents. Make sure to note that in the letter.
3. Financial Account Details
Make it easy for your executor to locate your assets and liabilities. Include your:
- Bank account numbers and financial institution names.
- Retirement accounts, pensions, and annuities.
- Investment accounts and brokerage firms.
- Credit cards, loans, and mortgage details.
Do not include PINs or passwords in the letter itself. Store them in a secure place like a password manager, and note how to access them.
4. Insurance Policies
Not just your savings and debts, list all your insurance coverage:
- Life insurance.
- Health insurance.
- Long-term care policies.
- Home and auto policies.
Include policy numbers, company names, and agent contact info in the letter.
5. Digital Assets and Online Accounts
Like most Utahns, you probably have many digital assets, and they’re just as important as physical ones. Your letter should identify:
- Email and social media accounts.
- Online banking or investment platforms.
- Cloud storage accounts.
- Any monetized accounts like YouTube or Etsy.
Make sure you explain where passwords are stored securely.
6. Funeral and Burial Wishes
Even if you’ve made pre-arrangements, put your preferences in writing. You can cover:
- Burial or cremation choice.
- Service details (location, officiant, readings).
- People to notify about your passing.
Including this in your letter spares your family from making emotional decisions during their grief.
7. Specific Personal Property Instructions
Your will covers major assets, but sentimental items can cause disputes. A letter allows you to explain:
- Who should get family heirlooms, jewelry, or collectibles, and why.
- The history or meaning of special items.
This personal touch helps prevent misunderstandings in estate planning and adds meaning to your gifts.
8. Business and Professional Information
If you own a business, provide:
- Location of business records.
- Names of partners or managers.
- Access instructions for work accounts.
- Ongoing contracts or commitments.
An estate planning attorney can help you make sure your business succession plan aligns with this information.
9. Charitable Intentions
If you support charities, list:
- Organization names and contact details.
- Donation amounts or pledged gifts.
Even if these are in your will, a reminder here makes sure nothing gets overlooked.
10. Personal Messages
Finally, your letter can be a place for personal notes to family and friends. This isn’t required, but many people find it comforting to leave messages of love, advice, or encouragement.
Since this is not a legal document, you can personalize your letter of instructions depending on your circumstances. But do keep in mind a few things:
- Keep your letter organized. Use clear headings and bullets so a stressed loved one can find answers quickly.
- Keep it updated. Review your letter after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, birth, death, a move, new accounts, or a business change. Do this at least annually.
- Keep it consistent. Work with your estate planning lawyer to make sure the letter supports (and never conflicts with) your will and trust.
- Keep the letter secure. Store it in a fireproof safe or an encrypted digital vault. Tell your executor and a backup where it is. You can also keep sealed copies with your estate planning law firm.
- Put a date and version number at the top. When you update, replace prior versions so only the latest is used.
Work with an Estate Planning Attorney
You can write your letter on your own, but working with an estate planning attorney in Utah keeps it thorough and complements your legal documents.
At Jeremy Atwood Law, we help clients in Layton and across Utah prepare letters of instruction that truly work for their families. We’ll guide you through what to include, how to organize it, and how to store it securely.
Final Thoughts
A letter of instruction may not be legally binding, but it is one of the most practical and compassionate tools for estate planning. It’s your way of making sure your loved ones aren’t left searching for answers during an already difficult time.
We’re here to help you. Whether you need help with your letter of instruction, will, power of attorney, trust, or overall estate plan, speak with our lawyer immediately. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
