A good letter of instruction should contain the following information: A complete list of all assets. The whereabouts of any tangible assets that are not readily accessible. Necessary information about all liquid assets, including bank, brokerage, retirement, and investment accounts.
It's not a replacement for a will, and in fact it's not even a legal document. But it can be incorporated into the necessary legal documents as a guide and the key to making sure everything is accounted for and accessible to the family members left behind.
A letter of instruction is a cheat sheet for anyone involved in settling your affairs. Unlike a will, this letter has no legal authority. However, it can provide an easy-to-understand explanation of your overall estate plan to your executor and lay out your wishes to your family for things not covered by the will.
It's a good way to let to those trusted to take care of your affairs know what you would want them to know. Since the letter of instruction is not a legal document, it does not need to be notarized or signed in the presence of witnesses or with any other special formality.
Basic Contents of a Letter of Instruction Firstly, it contains personal information, such as the executor's names and contact details. Secondly, it goes into specifics about the deceased's assets, delineating bank accounts, safety deposit boxes, and real estate properties, among other assets.
A beneficiary letter of instruction should include the names and contact information of your beneficiaries, as well as their relationship to you. It should also specify how you would like the assets in your bank account to be distributed and any other instructions or wishes you may have.
Here are six steps to write a letter of instruction: Create a header. Before you write the content of the letter, create a header at the top left-hand corner of the document. Address the reader. Explain the project or task. List each step. Conclude your letter. Revise the document.