Letters of Instruction

A letter of instructions is not a formal legal document, but one you prepare to help ease the way for your grieving survivors. It gives you the opportunity to provide essential information as well as to clarify your wishes concerning a variety of personal and financial matters.

Your letter of instruction should include, but is not limited to:

Instructions on whom to call and what to do immediately following your death. Be sure to include your estate lawyer’s contact information.

Funeral instructions including memorial service wishes.

Instructions for handling any important financial matters that may need attention right away.

An inventory of investments, insurance policies and other important financial details, such as any debts you owe or money owed you.

Location of any valuable papers such as a copy of your will, deeds, military records and birth or marriage certificates. Include passwords and user IDs if you conduct online business.

My mother and father both wrote their own obituaries. While not many people are willing to do this, it is helpful to include a brief life history in your letter of instructions so that your loved ones have accurate information about your life. Examples include where you were born and went to school, your occupation, your civic activities, and the names of any relatives, living or dead, which you wish to have mentioned in your death notice.

Keep the instructions up-to-date since the information in it will probably change over time. Secure the letter in a safe place that can be located with ease. Be sure your family members know where to find your letter of instructions as they grieve the loss of you.