Page 10 - Town & Around - April 2025

10 Town & Around April 2025 Tel: 01485 540620 email: editor@townandaround.net
What needs to go in a will – and what can go in a letter of wishes?
By Ed Harris, Solicitor, Hayes + Storr
hen planning for the future, making it’s an excellent way to provide extra detail
a will is essential. It ensures that and guidance. It’s particularly useful for
Wyour assets are passed on according covering more personal matters that might
to your wishes. But alongside your will, you change over time.
might also consider writing a letter of wishes. Here are some examples of what you might
A will is a legally binding document, include:
whereas a letter of wishes is more informal
and offers guidance to your executors. Think Explaining your decisions
of it as a personal note that clarifies your If your will divides assets unequally or
preferences and helps to fill in any gaps not excludes someone, a letter of wishes can
covered in your will. explain why. This can help reduce
Here’s what you should know about what misunderstandings or disputes.
Reviewing and updating
belongs in each document: Dealing with smaller personal items Both your will and your letter of wishes
What should go in your will? Rather than listing smaller items like should be reviewed regularly to reflect any
Your will must cover the essentials that are jewellery or furniture in your will, you can use changes in your circumstances. A letter of
legally binding, including: a letter of wishes to explain who should wishes is particularly useful because it can be
• Appointing executors – the people who will receive what. This letter can be easily updated updated at any time without the need to
handle your estate. if your preferences change, without needing rewrite your will.
• Appointing guardians – for any children to revise your will.
under 18. Funeral arrangements How we can help
• Distributing assets – such as money, You can outline your preferences for the Making a will is more than just ticking a
property, and personal possessions. type of funeral you’d like, such as a burial or box – it’s about ensuring your loved ones are
• Setting conditions – like leaving gifts that cremation, and any specific requests for the cared for. Our expert team can guide you
only become available when a beneficiary service. through drafting a legally sound will and a
reaches a certain age. bespoke letter of wishes that provides clarity
Although funeral wishes can be included in Guidance for guardians for your executors.
your will, they aren’t legally binding. If you’ve appointed guardians for your For more information, contact Ed Harris in
However, it’s often helpful to outline them to children, you can provide guidance on how our Wills and Probate team on 01328 863231
give your family some guidance. you’d like them to be raised. This could or email edward.harris@hayes-storr.com

include preferences for their education, This article is for general information only and does
What can go in a letter of wishes? religion, or values. not constitute legal advice. Please note that the law
A letter of wishes is not legally binding, but may have changed since publication.