Letter Of Wishes
A Letter of Wishes is a non-binding document written by a testator or settlor to guide executors or trustees on how they would like their estate or trust to be administered.
Because it is separate from your Will or trust, a Letter of Wishes can be updated at any time without the need to amend your core legal documents. This flexibility allows trustees to respond to changing circumstances while still taking your guidance into account.
​
A Letter of Wishes is a written document that sits alongside your Will or trust deed, providing additional guidance to your executors or trustees. While it does not form part of your Will and is not legally binding, it offers valuable insight into your personal wishes and intentions.
​
For a fixed fee, your expertly written will provide the peace of mind that your wishes will be fully honoured when the worst happens!
At Fortress Wills & Estates, your personal Estate Planner will take you through the entire process, understanding your circumstances, making recommendations about specific bequests (like jewellery or charity donations) whilst minimising taxes like inheritance tax. Inheritance tax is often the easiest tax to avoid but action in advance is needed.
Why Choose US?
What is a Letter of Wishes
What It's Used For
-
Explaining how trustees should exercise their discretionary powers.
-
Indicating how and when beneficiaries should benefit (e.g. priorities, ages, proportions).
-
Giving context for decisions, such as family dynamics or special needs.
-
Providing guidance on sensitive matters that are inappropriate for a formal Will (e.g. unequal treatment of beneficiaries).
Common Contents
-
Reasons for setting up the trust.
-
Guidance on income or capital distributions.
-
Preferences about investment strategy.
-
Succession wishes or future events to consider.
Why a Letter of Wishes Matters
-
Helps trustees understand the testator’s intentions.
​
-
Reduces uncertainty and potential disputes.
​
-
Allows flexibility without risking adverse tax consequences that might arise if terms were fixed in the Will or trust deed.