Letter of Last Instructions – Supporting Document
Note
Exam Relevance: Distinguish between a Will (Legal) and a Letter of Instructions (Informal/Guidance).
Introduction
A Will is formal and cold ("I give 50% to..."). A Letter of Last Instructions is personal and warm. It guides your family through the confusing first few days after death.
Difference from a Will
| Feature | Will | Letter of Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legally Binding | Not Binding (Moral) |
| Content | Assets & Guardianship | Funeral wishes, passwords, advice |
| Structure | Formal (witnessed) | Informal (letter/email/video) |
| Audience | Court / Executor | Family / Spouse |
What to include?
1. Funeral Wishes
- "I want to be cremated, not buried."
- "Donate my organs." (Attached Donor Card).
- "Don't spend too much on the ceremony."
- Why? The funeral happens before the Will is read. If this info is in the Will, it's too late.
2. Location of Documents
- "My Will is in the top drawer under the blue file."
- "My Insurance Policy bond is in the Bank Locker (Key #123)."
- "Here is the list of all my bank accounts and CA's number."
3. Immediate Financials
- "Use the cash in the cupboard for immediate expenses."
- "The life insurance claim will take 15 days; ask Uncle Raj to help with filing."
4. Personal Messages (The Emotional Will)
- Messages for children ("Study hard", "Take care of Mom").
- Apologies or forgiveness.
- This provides huge Emotional Closure to the family.
Case Study: The Hidden Locker
Loading case study…
Summary
- The Guide: Think of it as a "User Manual" for your life after you are gone.
- Update Often: You can rewrite this every year without witnesses.
- Availability: Keep it somewhere accessible (not locked in a locker whose key can't be found!).
Quiz Time! 🎯
Loading quiz…
Course Completed! You are now a Personal Finance Expert! 🎓