When most people think about estate planning, they focus on legal documents: wills, trust deeds, powers of attorney.

But there’s one non-binding, personal document that can quietly shape everything that follows:

💌 The Letter of Wishes.

It’s not a legal requirement. It’s not enforceable in court.
Yet for your trustee, your family, and your legacy—it can be priceless.

💡 What Is a Letter of Wishes?

A Letter of Wishes is a written, informal document that accompanies your trust. It allows you to:

• Share your intentions and values

• Provide guidance to your trustee on how to carry out the trust

• Offer context and clarity to your beneficiaries

• Express hopes, beliefs, or concerns that don’t belong in legal documents

It is not legally binding—but trustees often follow it, unless it contradicts the trust deed or the law.

🧠 Why It Matters

Even the most well-drafted trust can feel… cold.
It says what to do—but not why.

A Letter of Wishes fills in the human side:

• Why you’re giving more to one child than another

• What kind of education or care you want for your grandchildren

• How you'd like a disabled sibling to be treated

• Why charitable giving is important to you

• Who you trust to make decisions if conflicts arise

This emotional clarity can prevent confusion, resentment, or misinterpretation—especially in families with complex dynamics.

✍️ What Should You Include?

A good Letter of Wishes typically includes:

1. Purpose of the trust

2. Guidance for distributions (lump sum vs. staged, who gets what, under what conditions)

3. Suggestions for trustee decisions

4. Family values you want to preserve

5. Support for dependents, special needs family, or vulnerable loved ones

6. Explanations for choices that may surprise or disappoint

Keep it clear, respectful, and heartfelt. You can update it anytime without legal costs.

💼 Real Example: The Quiet Voice Behind the Trust

Madam Chin set up a trust for her three children. She left more to her youngest son, who had left a high-paying job to care for her during her illness.

In her Letter of Wishes, she wrote:

“This is not a reward, but a recognition of your selflessness.
I hope your siblings will understand this was a decision of gratitude, not preference.”

Her children later said that letter brought peace—and prevented resentment.

✅ When to Write One?

• After your trust is created

• Whenever you update your estate plan

• When life changes (marriage, divorce, illness, etc.)

Store it safely and share it with your trustee, not necessarily the beneficiaries.

💬 Final Thought

A legal document distributes your wealth.
A Letter of Wishes carries your voice.

It’s your chance to speak from the heart—to explain, guide, and leave more than just money.
You leave meaning.

Coming up next:
“How to Choose the Right Trustee—And What Happens If You Choose Wrong”
We’ll explore what makes a good trustee, and how to avoid costly mistakes.