Trustpilot
Letter of Wishes
A plain-English letter that sits alongside your Will, for £20, to guide your trustees or explain your decisions.
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. I prepare it as part of your Will or Codicil, and send it with your other documents.
No obligation. Your fee is agreed and fixed before you commit to anything.
When a Letter of Wishes is worth adding to your Will
Most Letters of Wishes do one or both of two jobs.
1. Guiding your trustees
If your Will includes a trust, and particularly a discretionary trust, your trustees will have choices to make about who receives money, how much and when. A letter tells them what you had in mind. It is especially useful for a Trust Will that provides for children, younger beneficiaries or someone vulnerable.
2. Explaining decisions that may disappoint someone
If your Will, or a change to an existing Will, leaves someone out, gives them less than they might expect, or divides your estate unequally, a letter lets you explain why in your own words. A clear explanation can help the people you leave behind understand your decision, and can help reduce the risk of a dispute after your death.
How much does a Letter of Wishes cost?
Letter of Wishes
£20
Prepared alongside your Will or Codicil. Usually, only one letter is needed.
Included in the service: –
- Discussed at the same consultation as your Will or Codicil, so there is no separate appointment
- A clear, plain-English letter that reflects exactly what you want your executors, trustees or family to understand
- Sent with your other documents, within 7 days of my receiving everything I need from you.
A Letter of Wishes is added to one of these services:
- Basic Will: £130
- Mirror Wills: from £200 for both
- Trust Will: £200, or £300 for a couple
- Codicil: £65
See why clients trust Wise Owl Wills
Read what clients say about the clear advice, personal service and reassurance they received when putting their plans in place.
Excellent
Trustpilot
about 12 days ago
Stephen at Wise Owl Wills
We asked Stephen at Wise Owl Wills to prepare our mirror Wills and a letter of wishes. He listened carefully to what we wanted, explained our options clearly and helped us put our wishes into words. Stephen explained how the Wills would provide for each other and our family, and how the letter of wishes could offer additional guidance alongside them. We appreciated having time to ask questions and discuss the details. The personal service made the whole process straightforward and reassuring. We would recommend Wise Owl Wills to couples looking for professionally drafted Wills and thoughtful, practical guidance.
about 1 month ago
A great mirror will service
Me and my partner used Wise Owl Wills for our mirror Wills and a Lasting Power of Attorney. Stephen explained everything in a way that was easy to understand and never made us feel rushed or pressured. The price was agreed beforehand, so we knew exactly what we were paying. Everything was sorted quickly and professionally, and we now feel much happier knowing our affairs are in order. I would definitely recommend Wise Owl Wills to anyone in Denton or Greater Manchester.
about 1 month ago
An excellent personal service could…
An excellent personal service could recommend enough
about 1 month ago
Stephen at Wise Owl Wills prepared both…
Stephen at Wise Owl Wills prepared both my Will and Lasting power of attorney making whole process straightforward easy to understand explaining options clearly and answered questions ensured documents reflected my wishes. He was professional throughout thorough and reassuring. I now have peace of mind knowing that my family provided for and that right people can make appropriate decisions for me if needed. I would highly recommend Wise Owl Wills.
about 1 month ago
Wise Owls wills great help
We found the writing of the will very helpful and was given advice on how to put in our wishes.Found the whole experience stress free and would recommend them to our friends.
about 1 month ago
Easy communication
Easy communication, professionally written wills covering all of the technical issues necessary. Pleased with the price and the result.
How to add a Letter of Wishes to your Will
1. Tell me what you need
Call me or send a message through my contact page, and I will arrange a convenient, no-obligation consultation.
2. Talk through your choices
We talk through your Will, and anything you want your executors, trustees or family to understand, at your consultation.
3. Your documents are personally prepared
I send your documents within 7 days of receiving everything that I need from you.
Who will write your Letter of Wishes
Wise Owl Wills was founded by Stephen Rhodes, who was called to the Bar in 1999 and has 27 years of legal experience. Having drafted Wills and dealt with disputes arising from poorly prepared or unclear Wills, Stephen understands both how these important documents should be prepared and what can go wrong when someone’s wishes are not expressed properly. You deal directly with Stephen throughout, from your first conversation to the completion of your documents.
Mirror Wills: frequently asked questions
Is a Letter of Wishes legally binding?
No. 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. That is exactly what makes it useful alongside a trust, where your trustees are given some discretion and benefit from understanding what you had in mind.
Will a Letter of Wishes stop someone challenging my Will?
No document can stop a claim being made. What a letter can do is set out your reasons clearly, in your own words, at the time you made your decision. That can help the people you leave behind understand your choices, and can help reduce the risk of a dispute.
Can I change my Letter of Wishes later?
Yes. Because it is not part of your Will and does not need to be witnessed, a Letter of Wishes can be replaced without changing your Will itself.
Where should I keep my Letter of Wishes?
With your Will, so your executors find both documents together.
Can you prepare a letter more quickly?
Yes. An express service is available if needed. Mention it when you get in touch and I will tell you what is possible.
Want to read more first?
My guide, What is a Letter of Wishes?, explains in more depth when a letter might be needed and what it should cover.
Making or changing your Will?
Book a free, no-obligation consultation or call me today. If a Letter of Wishes would help, I will tell you, and it can be prepared alongside your Will.
TrustpilotNo obligation. Tell me what you need and I will explain the suitable options and costs before you decide. All information you provide is treated confidentially, and I aim to respond within one working day.