Creating a General Letter of Instruction is an essential task for various purposes, from banking instructions to estate planning. At Documainly, we provide an array of customizable templates, including the Letter of Instruction model, designed to meet your specific needs. Our WORD-based templates are structured yet flexible, making them ideal for personal or professional use.
The importance of a well-written Letter of Instruction
- Clarity and Precision: A well-drafted letter ensures your instructions are clear and precise, avoiding potential misunderstandings or disputes.
- Ease of Execution: Whether it’s a Letter of Instruction upon death or for financial transactions, a clear directive makes it easier for the executing party to act in accordance with your wishes.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your instructions are well-documented can provide peace of mind, especially in matters of estate planning or financial transactions.
Features of Documainly’s Letter of Instruction Templates
Our platform offers a variety of Letter of Instruction templates, each tailored to different needs:
- General Letter of Instruction Template
- Letter of Instruction to Bank Template
- Letter of Last Instruction Sample
- Sample Letter of Instruction for estate planning
- And many other specialized templates…
Each template is designed for easy customization in WORD format, ensuring you can adapt it to your specific requirements.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A general letter of instruction is a document used to provide guidance and instructions to loved ones or executors of an estate, typically in the event of the letter writer’s death or incapacitation. It often includes details that complement legal documents such as a will or trust, but it is not legally binding. Below, we address the most common questions regarding general letters of instruction in the U.S.
What is a general letter of instruction?
A general letter of instruction is a personal document that outlines your wishes, instructions, and important details that may help guide your loved ones or the executor of your estate after your death or if you become incapacitated. While it is not legally binding like a will or power of attorney, it serves as a practical guide to help ensure your wishes are understood and followed.
The letter often includes information that might not be covered in legal estate planning documents, such as funeral arrangements, account details, or contact information for attorneys or financial advisors.
What should be included in a general letter of instruction?
A general letter of instruction can cover a wide range of personal, financial, and practical details. Common elements to include are:
- Contact information for important people, such as family members, attorneys, financial advisors, and beneficiaries.
- Instructions for funeral or burial preferences, such as the type of service or any specific cultural or religious considerations.
- Information about the location of important documents like your will, birth certificate, insurance policies, or property deeds.
- Details about bank accounts, investment accounts, credit cards, and any other financial assets or liabilities.
- Instructions for digital assets, such as social media accounts, email accounts, or online subscriptions.
- Personal messages to family or loved ones, if desired.
It’s important to update this letter regularly as your personal or financial situation changes.
Is a general letter of instruction legally binding?
No, a general letter of instruction is not a legally binding document. It serves as a guide for your family and the executor of your estate to help them understand your personal preferences and locate important information. Legal documents such as a will, trust, or power of attorney are required to legally enforce how your estate is distributed or how certain decisions are made.
While it is not legally binding, a letter of instruction is often used to ensure that practical matters are handled according to your wishes and to simplify the process for your loved ones during a difficult time.
How is a letter of instruction different from a will?
A will is a legal document that outlines how your estate and assets will be distributed after your death, and it must be executed according to state law to be valid. A letter of instruction, on the other hand, is an informal document that provides guidance on non-legal matters such as funeral preferences, contact information, and the location of important documents.
While a will deals with the legal aspects of your estate, the letter of instruction helps address the practical side of managing your affairs. The two documents complement each other and are often used together in estate planning.
Who should receive a copy of the letter of instruction?
You should provide a copy of your letter of instruction to the executor of your estate, your spouse or close family members, and any other trusted individuals who may need to assist in managing your affairs. You can also keep a copy with your estate planning documents, such as your will or trust, so that it is easily accessible when needed.
Make sure to inform your loved ones or executor where they can find the letter in the event of your passing or incapacitation. It’s essential that the people involved know the letter exists and where to locate it.
Can a letter of instruction be updated?
Yes, a letter of instruction can and should be updated regularly as your personal circumstances change. For example, if you open new bank accounts, change your financial advisor, or update your preferences for funeral arrangements, it’s important to revise the letter to reflect these changes.
It’s a good idea to review your letter of instruction every few years or whenever a significant life event occurs, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a move to a new location.
Does a letter of instruction replace other estate planning documents?
No, a letter of instruction is not a replacement for essential estate planning documents like a will, living trust, or power of attorney. These legal documents are necessary to ensure that your estate is managed and distributed according to your wishes and the law. The letter of instruction is meant to complement these documents by providing additional guidance on non-legal matters.
It’s important to have both a legally valid will or trust and a letter of instruction to ensure that all aspects of your estate and personal wishes are addressed.
Can personal messages be included in a letter of instruction?
Yes, personal messages can be included in a letter of instruction. Many people choose to include heartfelt messages to their family members, friends, or other loved ones. These messages can provide comfort and closure to your loved ones, especially in difficult times. You can also use the letter to express your gratitude, share life lessons, or provide specific guidance on how you want certain personal matters handled.
Since the letter is not legally binding, it offers a personal and informal way to communicate your final wishes and thoughts to those you care about.
Is a lawyer needed to create a letter of instruction?
No, a lawyer is not required to create a letter of instruction. Since it is not a legally binding document, it can be written in your own words without the need for formal legal language. However, it is often beneficial to consult with an attorney when developing your overall estate plan to ensure that your letter of instruction complements your legal documents effectively.
If your letter of instruction includes complex financial matters or specific wishes that might overlap with your will or trust, discussing these elements with a legal professional could be helpful.
Where should I store my letter of instruction?
You should store your letter of instruction in a safe but accessible location, such as with your estate planning documents or in a secure file at home. Some people choose to keep the letter in a safety deposit box, but it’s important that someone close to you knows where the key or access information is kept.
Let your executor and close family members know where the letter is stored so they can find it when needed. It’s essential that this document is easy to locate, especially in the event of an emergency or sudden incapacitation.
