(You may copy and paste this document into WORD and then print it out or complete it on your computer)

LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS

 

A "Letter Of Instructions" is not a legal document like a will. You have more leeway in both the language and content. Your letter is a good place to put personal wishes and final comments. Your heirs will be very grateful to have this information. It will help them honor your wishes and understand the details of your financial affairs. You should feel free to add to or amend this document so that your desires and wishes are properly documented for your heirs.

Vital Statistics

 

Full Name _______________________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________________

Date of Birth_________________ Birthplace_________________________________

Social Security # _________________________________________________________

Length of time in your State of residency and in the US if applicable _______________

Military record __________________________________________________________

Occupation _____________________________________________________________

Father’s Name_______________________________________

Birthplace_____________________________________

Mother’s Name______________________________________

Birthplace_____________________________________

Children’s Name(s) Birth Date(s)

__________________________________________________ _______________________

__________________________________________________ _______________________

__________________________________________________ _______________________

__________________________________________________ _______________________

__________________________________________________ _______________________

Grandchildren’s Name(s) Birth Date(s)

__________________________________________________ _______________________

__________________________________________________ _______________________

__________________________________________________ _______________________

Brother’s / Sister’s Name(s)

_________________________________ ________________________________

_________________________________ ________________________________

 

Important People

Provide contact information on the important people that

affect your health, financial and legal well being.

Physician

Address

 

Phone #

Physician/Specialist

Address

 

Phone #

Dentist

Address

 

Phone #

Other Care Givers

Address

Phone #

Attorney

Address

 

Phone #

Financial Planner / Advisor

Address

 

Phone #

Acccountant

Address

 

Phone #

Banker

Address

 

Phone #

Insurance Agent

Address

 

Phone #

Other

Address

 

Phone #

Important Personal Papers

Provide the location of these and any other important papers that will help your heirs understand you wishes in regards to your health, financial and legal well being.

Wills

 

Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare / Living Will

 

Durable Power of Attorney for Property

 

Birth certificates

 

Military records

 

Marriage certificate

 

Social Security Card

 

Property Deeds

 

Trust Documents

 

Insurance Policies

(Attach list with company name, policy #, agent, phone #. )

  1. Homeowners
  2. Automobile
  3. Medical
  4. Disability
  5. Long term care
  6. Umbrella
  7. Life

Custodial Accounts

Insurance Trusts

Trusts you may currently be trustee for

Loans outstanding other than mortgage

(Attach list with company name including location of payment booklets)

 

Loans you may guarantee

 

Promissory notes owed to you

 

Income tax returns

 

Investment Certificates / Stock Certificates etc.

 

Other

 

 

 

Location of Important Personal Items & Information

Provide the location of these items as well as any other important information.

Safe deposit Box & Key

 

Post office Box & Key or Combination

 

"Hidey Hole" (most people have a fireproof safe or other "safe" place where they store things in their homes)

 

Home File Cabinets

 

Other

Information On Benefits Due You Or Your Heirs

Attach additional pages as necessary to fully documents benefits due you and your heirs.

 

Social Security

 

Veterans Affairs

 

Life insurance

 

Other

 

Information Required If You Become Disabled

 

If I am disabled, my life insurance policy (allows/does not allow) for pre-payment of death benefits to support me.

 

If I am disabled, my life insurance policy (allows/does not allow) you to stop making premium payments.

 

If I am disabled, my disability insurance (allows/does not allow) you to stop making premiums.

 

It is my desire that the persons holding my Durable Power of Attorney(s) act in my behalf rather than a guardian being appointed, unless my family believes guardianship is necessary. I have appointed the following persons (Listed in the previously mentioned documents) to act on my behalf if I become disabled:

 

  1. Person holding my Durable Power of Attorney for Property:
  2.  

  3. Person holding my Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare:

In the event of my incapacity (I do/do not want) to be kept home as long as possible, taking into account the cost.

Other wishes you might have in the event of your disability.

Information On Your Investments

If a broker or financial advisor holds your investments, provide the location where you keep the most current statements. The name of any financial advisor should be documented under important people above. If you have other investments, be specific about the type, where the paperwork is located, amount invested, to whom the investment was issued, and any professional or other individual that can assist your heirs understand the investment. (Attach additional pages as necessary)

Stocks / Bonds

 

 

Mutual Funds

 

 

IRAs

 

 

Real Estate

 

 

Annuities

 

 

Life Insurance

 

 

Other

 

 

 

Wishes & Specific Requests

Any specific requests you may have regarding mementos, specific pieces of furniture or silver, or any gifts not specified in your will should be listed so your heirs are able to insure your wishes are carried out and the proper people receive your property. Please attach a separate document to this letter of instruction that delegates those items you wish to give to specific people. If you prepare a separate document you should date and sign it.

In The Event Of My Death

 

I (have/have not paid) my burial costs, for my burial plot, for my casket. If I have, the information can be found:

 

I request that following funeral home / mortuary handles my funeral arrangements:

 

 

I (do/do not) want to be cremated.

I request that __________________________of ________________________perform the funeral service (Provide contact information – Also provide any other details and arrangement you may have made.):

 

 

I (do/do not) wish to have a Church Service. If yes, provide the name of the church, address, person to contact along with any special requests as to the nature of the service you desire, i.e. readings, music etc.

 

 

 

 

I (do/do not) wish to have Graveside Service.

 

If I do have a Church Service, I request that the following people be asked to be Pallbearers:

 

 

 

I request that the following people be asked to be Honorary Pallbearers:

 

 

I request that the following inscription be engraved on my Memorial Stone:

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

I (do/do not) wish to have my organs available for donation.

List any newspapers that you wish to receive obituary information:

 

 

I request that the following people be notified upon the event of my death (Attach additional pages as necessary):

Name Address Telephone

__________________________ ___________________________ ___________

__________________________ ___________________________ ___________

__________________________ ___________________________ ___________

__________________________ ___________________________ ___________

__________________________ ___________________________ ___________

__________________________ ___________________________ ___________

__________________________ ___________________________ ___________

__________________________ ___________________________ ___________

__________________________ ___________________________ ___________

__________________________ ___________________________ ___________

 

 

I have signed this family Letter of Instructions this ___day of _______________, in the year of _______. This document is not intended to replace my will or other estate planning documents signed by me. However, it is my express desire that each family member, executor, trustee and guardian will use this letter and the other documents signed by me in making any discretionary decisions for me and my family.

 

 

____________________________________ ______________________________

(Print Name) (Signature)

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