Suggested Letter of Wishes Template

A letter of wishes is not a legal document, it simply provides guidance to your loved ones, but will make it easier for them to understand your preferences.The information in the text box below is a guide. However, you can include any information that is relevant and important to you.

Please replace any text that is not relevant as adeus will provide a PDF copy of the entire text below to your executor, or nominated key contact.

Here are our suggestions for what to include in your Letter of Wishes, but treat it as your own and include any information or guidance you think may be useful. This is not a legal document so you can feel free to write as you choose.

Introduction

Begin with a heartfelt message to your family and friends, expressing gratitude for their love and support throughout your life.

Will & Testament

• Location of Will: 
• Executor: Name the executor and provide their contact information. If you created a Will with adeus, we would inform your executor and provide them with access to this information including an electronic copy of your will.

Explanation of will provisions

If your will includes any provisions or distributions that you would like to explain to your loved ones, you can share your reasoning for some of the arrangements you made in your will.

For example, if you decided to leave a significant portion of your estate to one of your children, or to a charity, or specific gifts or bequests, you can provide an explanation to clarify for the executor and your beneficiaries.

This will ensure they understand your intentions and remove any ambiguity.

Funeral & Burial Wishes

• Pre-paid Funeral Plan: Indicate if there is a pre-paid funeral plan and provide details if applicable.

Death Certificate Information

Include key information needed for your death certificate:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Place of Birth
• Parent & Names

Organ Donation

• Organ Donation Preference: State whether you wish to donate your organs.
• Details: Provide any specific instructions or preferences.

Viewing of the Body

• Preference: Indicate if you prefer to have a viewing of your body.
• Details: Provide any specific wishes or instructions.

Disposition of the Body

• Burial or Cremation: Specify your preference.
• Details: Include any specific instructions for the disposition of your body.

Disposition of Cremated Remains

• Burial or Cremation: State how you wish for your cremated remains to be handled.
• Details: Provide any specific instructions.

Funeral

• Readings: Suggest preferred readings.
• Poetry: Suggest preferred poetry.
• Music: Suggest preferred music.
• Flowers: Indicate preferences for flowers.
• Donations: Specify any charitable donation preferences.

Cemetery

• Preferred Cemetery: Indicate your preferred cemetery.
• Plot Information: Provide information about the burial plot if applicable

Pall Bearers

Names: Suggest names of preferred pall bearers.

Headstone/Memorial/Grave Markers

• Preferences: Indicate your preferences for headstones, memorials, or grave markers.

Casket / Vault

• Preferences: Specify your preferences for the casket or vault.

Preparation of Your Body

• Clothing: Indicate your clothing preferences.
• Hair: Provide instructions for hair styling.
• Cosmetics: Specify your preferences for cosmetics.
• Jewellery: Indicate any jewellery you wish to be worn.

Post Service Event / Wake

• Provide instructions for any post-service event or wake.

Obituary Information

• Text: Provide the text you wish to be included in your obituary.
• Photo: Attach or specify a preferred photo for your obituary.

Notifications

• Individuals to Notify: List names and contact information of people to notify. You can also include this information in the Important Contacts section of your adeus Digital Vault.
• Organisations to Notify: Provide contact information for any organizations to notify.

Conclude with a warm message thanking your family and friends for respecting your wishes and expressing your love and peace with your decisions.

How this fits your My Legacy Plan

Writing your Letter of Wishes is a step in your My Legacy Plan. Saving your Letter of Wishes completes this step and moves your Legacy Plan progress forward.