Letter of Last Instructions
A non-legal companion document to a will that records funeral wishes, account locations, and personal messages for loved ones.
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A letter of last instructions is a personal document — separate from and supplementary to your will — in which you record practical information and personal wishes for the people who will manage your affairs after your death. Unlike a will, it is not a legal instrument and does not need to be witnessed or notarized. However, it is one of the most useful things you can leave for your family.
What to include
The letter typically covers: location of your will, financial accounts, insurance policies, and important documents; funeral and burial preferences; a list of people to be notified; usernames and passwords for online accounts; instructions for the care of pets; and any personal messages you wish to leave for specific individuals.
Keeping it current
Because this document is informal and does not need to go through probate, it can be updated easily and as often as you like. Store it in a known, accessible location — not in a safety deposit box that may be sealed at death — and tell your executor where to find it.