Letter of Wishes
A Letter of Wishes is a separate, non-binding document that sits alongside your Will. It gives your executors, trustees or guardians clear guidance about your intentions, without forming a legally binding part of your Will itself.
Who a Letter of Wishes is right for
A Letter of Wishes may be recommended to you in circumstances such as:
- Your Will includes a discretionary trust, and you want to explain to your trustees how you would prefer payments to be made from it.
- Your Will includes any form of trust, and you want to give your executors and trustees clearer guidance on how you’d like it managed.
- You have included provisions in your Will that might be seen as controversial, and want to explain your reasoning to your executors and beneficiaries.
- You have chosen not to provide for someone who might expect to receive something, and want to explain your decision, which can help reduce the likelihood of your Will being challenged.
If any of these sound familiar, a Letter of Wishes is a straightforward, low-cost way to give your family and trustees clarity, without altering the legal terms of your Will itself.
What is included
A letter of wishes will be considered at the same one-to-one consultation where the requirements for your Will are discussed. This consultation can be held at your home, or by telephone or video call. We will talk through exactly what you want your executors, trustees or beneficiaries to understand, and draft a clear, plain-English letter that reflects it.
Your completed letter is delivered at the same time as your Will, usually within 7 days of us receiving full instructions from you. An express service is also available if needed.
How much does a Letter of Wishes cost?
A Letter of Wishes costs £20 per letter. This makes it one of the most affordable ways to add real clarity and protection alongside your Will.
Usually, only one letter is required.
Is a Letter of Wishes legally binding?
No, a Letter of Wishes is not legally binding.
Unlike your Will, it does not need to be followed to the letter by your executors or trustees. Its purpose is to guide and explain, not to instruct in a way that can be legally enforced.
This is exactly what makes it useful alongside a trust, where trustees are given some discretion and benefit from understanding what you had in mind.
Learn more
If you would like a fuller explanation of when a Letter of Wishes might be needed, our guide What is a Letter of Wishes? covers this in more depth.
A Letter of Wishes is often prepared alongside a Trust Will, particularly where a discretionary trust is involved.
How to get started
Booking a Basic Will with Wise Owl Wills takes three simple steps:
Make contact by telephone or use our online form.
Talk through your needs and confirm your wishes.
Receive your completed Will within 7 days
Book your free consultation or call us on 0161 524 1033 to get started.
