Family Estate Planning Letter

The family love letter has been designed to provide information in a time of confusion and to help minimize the types of inadvertent mistakes that often occur in times of turmoil.

Family estate planning letter. Also known as a letter of intent a letter of instruction is a document that provides specific information regarding your preferences on anything from medical care to your funeral to the distribution of your assets and property. I have signed this family love letter this day of 20. One aspect of estate planning that is often overlooked but can be quite useful is the letter of intent. This document is typically contained within an estate plan and includes instructions on how the estate and decedent s executors should manage the estate s assets and care for family and loved ones.

Edit it to suit your needs. In many cases clients have provided a copy of the family love letter and their other estate planning documents to their heirs. Simply put a letter of instruction is a cheat sheet for anyone involved in settling your affairs. The benefits of letters of intent.

The client may call a family meeting where the advisors and heirs can discuss both the documents and the desires the client has for his or her family using a family mission statement as the catalyst. While many clients are reluctant to discuss the tragedy of their death or disability with family members they have less concern about leaving written information behind. As part of your estate planning it s a good idea to have a non binding letter to your spouse children and other heirs outlining where the important documents are kept and who to contact for help in administering your estate. Estate planning steps for parents.

A letter of instruction isn t legally binding in any way unlike a last will. However it can provide an easy to understand. However it is my express desire that each family member power holder executor trustee and guardian will use this family love letter and the other documents signed by me in. List any special assets such as stock options that require action by your executor within a specific time frame.

Unlike a will this letter has no legal authority. This document is not intended to replace my will or other estate planning documents signed by me. Check with your estate planning attorney for more information. When you pass away or if you become incapacitated it s natural for your family to feel confused and insecure about the future you can help them through that tough time by writing a letter in advance.