Creating a letter of wishes gives you the opportunity to capture your wishes that are more personal in nature, and the following are examples of what can be included.
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Your name, address and contact information
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Preferences of funeral, burial or cremation, specific service or wake instructions, to have your ashes sprinkled, or to be buried
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Declare what songs or hymns you would like, how the wake is organised and give your nominees special instructions including any areas of importance
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Who to notify of your death, or in some cases, who not to tell
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Guides your friends, family, executors and trustees on how you would like your Will to be run, any trusts created or money to be managed
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List any assets or sentimental items such as, jewellery, their location, and who to gift them to. These items may be included in your Will but not conflict with it
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Advise guardians on raising your children, their education, and any religious upbringing or instruction which can be reviewed as the children grow up
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Any directions, actions or detailed information pertinent to you that you wish to be carried out on your behalf
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Provide explanations as to why you have excluded someone from the Will to address any potential future challenges
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A letter of wishes should be written in plain English, signed and dated, but not witnessed to avoid any claim that it becomes a legal Will or codicil
