Letter of Instruction Template

What Is a Letter of Instruction?

A letter of instruction is a personal document that supplements your will with practical guidance. While your will handles legal distribution of assets, this letter tells your family where to find important documents, who to call, what accounts you have, and how you'd like your affairs handled. Think of it as the user manual for settling your estate.

The average executor spends over 500 hours administering an estate. Much of that time goes to detective work—tracking down accounts, locating passwords, and making phone calls to piece together the deceased's financial life. A thorough letter of instruction can cut that time dramatically and give your family peace of mind during grief.

 

Is This Letter of Instruction Right for You?

You need this document if you're:

• Completing your estate plan alongside a will
• Organizing information for your family or executor
• Managing multiple financial accounts across institutions
• Using online services with passwords your family doesn't know
• Wanting to document funeral or memorial preferences
• Caring for dependents who need continuity of care

You definitely need this document if:

• Your spouse doesn't know where to find important documents
• You manage family finances alone and haven't shared details
• Your digital accounts contain important information nobody can access
• You have specific funeral wishes you haven't communicated
• Your family has no idea which professionals handle your affairs

 

 

Why Thousands Trust Legal GPS Templates

Save Money. Professional organization at a fraction of attorney rates.

Save Time. Complete your comprehensive letter in one focused session.

Look Professional. Structured format ensures nothing important gets missed.

Keeps You Out of Court. Clear documentation of professional contacts and account details prevents executor confusion and delays.

 

 

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Step 1: Secure Checkout. Complete your purchase through our encrypted payment system.

Step 2: Instant Download. Access your template immediately in your account.

Step 3: Fill In the Highlighted Fields. Use our companion guide to work through each section systematically.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this template multiple times?

Yes. The template includes a Record of Updates section specifically designed for tracking revisions. Review and update your letter annually or whenever your circumstances change significantly.

Is this document legally binding?

No. A letter of instruction is a personal guidance document, not a legal instrument. If anything in your letter conflicts with your will or other legal documents, the legal documents control. However, courts and families typically honor the practical and personal wishes expressed in these letters.

Does this replace a will?

Absolutely not. Your will is the legally binding document that directs asset distribution. This letter supplements your will by providing practical information and personal wishes that don't belong in a legal instrument.

Should I include my passwords directly in the letter?

Use judgment. The template suggests documenting password manager access or noting where passwords are stored rather than listing every password. If you do include sensitive credentials, store the letter securely and consider who might have access.

What if my information changes after I complete the letter?

Update the letter. Unlike your will, which requires formal codicils or re-execution to change, you can simply revise and reprint this letter. The Record of Updates section helps you track when changes were made.

Who should have a copy of this letter?

At minimum, your executor should know where to find it. Many people also give copies to their spouse, adult children, or estate planning attorney. Store the original with your will and other estate planning documents.