Gransnet forums

Legal, pensions and money

Wills and Letter Of Wishes specifically

(4 Posts)
SynchroSwimmer Thu 01-Sept-22 16:05:02

Asking please if anyone has knowledge or experience specifically relating to a Letter Of Wishes to accompany a will.

I currently have a simple will (written using a relatives legal template) and properly witnessed - as an interim measure just for now.

My dilemma, and the reason for not consulting a solicitor yet, is due to my constantly shifting thoughts in respect of distribution of the final third of my estate.

I would like to leave details and beneficiaries for the final third - but cover this separately in my Letter of Wishes. (E.g one third of my estate to my family, one third to my husbands family, and one third to the specific charities and persons outlined separately in my Letter of Wishes). I would then be able to adjust and update the final third myself periodically.

The reason I have not yet been to a solicitor to have a will written is that my wishes have changed frequently over the last decade, sometimes even changing monthly, (for example a new charity to include, or a friends behaviour might unexpectedly be unethical, or a relative might behave unkindly - and as a result I reconsider and wish to remove, reduce or change the way they might benefit from this final third of my will, (which could easily be updated by me as and when required).

Does anyone know if it is permitted, legal and appropriate to include beneficiaries in a separate Letter of Wishes in this way?

avitorl Thu 01-Sept-22 17:09:54

I made a Will with a Solicitor and it states that a specific percentage of my estate will go to Charities. I haven't named the Charities but have stated they will be in a letter of intent. This is considered legal and acceptable but I'm not sure if it could be the same to cover individuals in the same way.

cornergran Thu 01-Sept-22 17:20:24

Our solicitor advised keeping fine details out of our Wills for the reason you describe, synchro, situations and minds change with time. The mention of people was in terms of small bequests of items of jewellery and family sentimental objects rather than pecuniary bequests. She was clear, a signed letter of intent while not a legal document would be acceptable and is common. Our Wills actually make mention of them. Executors are requested to take note of the content. We were advised the letters could be stored with the original of the Wills in the solicitors office. One small hitch - we haven't done them yet. Your post has reminded me we truly must get on with it.

Germanshepherdsmum Thu 01-Sept-22 18:04:10

A letter of intent won't be binding on your executors. Please see a solicitor and have a proper, watertight will made. You can change it in future by means of a codicil, again prepared by a solicitor, which will be binding. Trying to save on solicitors' fees - which really aren't horrendous for a straightforward will - by making a home-made will really is storing up trouble.