Letter of Last Instruction: What It Is and What To Include

Automobiles

If you own a car (or two), jot down all relevant information, including:

• Year, make, and model
• Body type
• License number
• Identification number
• Location of title

Beneficiaries

Your letter of last instruction should include the names and contact details of your beneficiaries.

This list should also include any specific instructions for sentimental items without monetary value. So, for instance, if your grandson has requested that your antique desk be passed along to him, your letter of last instruction is the perfect place to indicate that his wish is honored.

Some individuals may also use this part of the letter as an opportunity to provide any necessary explanations. If there are any provisions in your will, such as disinheritances, you may explain those circumstances here.

Death Certificates and Death Notification

Prepare a list of people, such as loved ones, family, and friends, to notify of your death. Include their name, address, telephone number (both cell and home, if possible), and email address. You might also want to include any social media accounts you have on file for these individuals.

In addition to loved ones, include business professionals in your life that will need to know of your passing. This might include your accountant, attorney, broker, employer, and insurance agent.

Next, list the number of death certificates that will be needed. In most situations, anywhere from six to twelve are required. Your funeral director will order as many death certificates as requested—but if more are needed, it’s simple to request additional copies from your state’s department of health. Some institutions will want a certified copy of your death certification, such as:

• Each insurance company that insured your life or your property
• Financial institutions, such as banks, credit unions, credit card companies, brokerage firms, or mortgage companies
• Pension fund
• Social Security Administration
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Be sure to also include the information necessary for your death certificate in this section:

• Your full name
• Your address
• Your marital status
• Your spouse’s name (if applicable)
• Your date of birth
• Your birthplace (city and state)
• The names of your mother and father
• Your military records (if applicable)
• Your Social Security number

Digital Records and Computers

In today’s society, nearly everyone has an online account for email, banking, investing, social media, and so much more. Begin to make a list of all the important websites that you use on a regular basis—and note which accounts you’ll want to provide your loved ones access to.

Make a list of usernames and passwords of all applicable accounts. Be sure to include the username and password to your computer so it can be easily unlocked by whoever is managing your estate. Sharing all usernames and passwords ensures that all personal and financial information associated with your accounts is not breached or compromised following your death.

Finances

Preparing your financial information in your letter of last instruction might be the most time-consuming part of this process—so block off some time on your calendar and pour yourself a cup of tea (or coffee). In this section, you’ll want to list all the financial accounts you hold—from investments to IRAs to savings accounts.

For checking and savings accounts:

Compile financial information for your checkings, savings, and any other financial accounts:

• Name of institution
• Address of institution
• Type of account
• Account number
• Routing number
• Names the account is held in (joint, single, joint with right of survivorship, etc.)

For stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other securities:

Compile the following information:

• Certificate number
• Issurers
• Cost

For business property:

If you own a company or have a business arrangement, such as a partnership, corporation, or limited liability company, provide information on the property, location of titles, and any other relevant records.

For credit cards:

List your cards by the issuer, card number, and location. If you have an account online with your credit card company, provide this information as well.

For loans:

If you have any loans in your name, make a list of all the debts owed:

• Full name, address, and contact information of the creditor
• Payment terms
• Collateral
• Where contracts are located

Debts owed to you:

Last but not least, if there are any debts owed to you, compile a list of information:

• Full name, address, and phone number of the debtor
• Payment terms
• Collateral
• Additional information

Funeral and Memorial Arrangements

Describe any funeral or memorial arrangements that you’ve already made—and be sure to note which components your family or loved ones are still responsible for completing. Typical wishes include:

• Organ donations
• Autopsy
• Embalming
• Public viewing
• Body disposal
• Type of service and location
• Funeral, music, speakers, and location
• Flowers, donations, or memorials

Government Agencies and Information

Next in your letter of last instruction, review the location of special information from government agencies. This may include the following information:

• Your social security number
• The location of your social security card
• Department of Veteran Affairs and Discharge papers
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Divorce papers
• Naturalization or citizenship papers
• Any documentation related to your children
  • Birth certificates or papers for adoption

Home Ownership Records, Lease Agreements, and Household Contents

Next, if you own any homes, provide information on the location of the deed and mortgage papers on all the property you own. As part of this information, include details on taxes, liens, and leases.

This is also the place in your letter of last instruction where you can list all the contents of your house. Provide details on where each household item is located, its appraisals, and what you would like to happen to the items you own.

Insurances

List all your insurance policies, including home owner’s or renter’s insurance, life, auto, and medical, with the following details:

• Company name and address
• Policy number
• Insurance agent
• Location of policies
• Description of any loans you’ve taken out against a policy and have not yet repaid

Personal Effects

If you have any personal effects that you would like to note, this is the perfect section to do so. In this category, include a detailed description of each item. Then, note the name, address, and relationship to the person who is to receive the personal item. This often includes jewelry, collectibles, furniture, family heirlooms, and more.

Pets

Leaving a pet behind can be heart wrenching—but making a plan in advance of who will take care of them in your absence will give you peace of mind. Make a note of who should take ownership of your pet and how their care should be both provided and funded.

If your pet has any special needs, allergies, or even just a list of favorite activities and snacks, you can also include that information here.

Post Office Boxes and Safe Deposit Boxes

If you have a safe deposit or a post office box, write down the location and the address of the box. Next, make a list of the contents of the box and where the key or combination is located. List names of authorized signers.

Subscriptions

Do you have recurring monthly subscriptions? Make a list of all your digital subscription details, including any login information that would be helpful for your loved ones to manage.

• TV subscriptions, such as Netflix, Hulu, or ESPN
• Apps or online services, such as Amazon, Thrive Market, InstaCart, or Walmart delivery
• Amazon services, such as Amazon Prime, Kindle Unlimited, or Audible
• AARP
• AAA
• Newspapers or magazines, both online or in print
• Sam’s Club or Costco
• Cable subscription

Taxes

In your letter of last instruction, include the location of your income tax returns and any additional documentation. It’s best practice to share records from the past five years.

Trust and Wills

Make a list of any trusts and wills you have created. If you have trustees, give the name and address of each trustee, identifying both the type and the number of assets in each trust.

Below, you’ll find a letter of last instruction example of how to write a letter of instruction and what the format could look like. Feel free to take this sample letter of instruction for estate planning and customize it accordingly!

Automobiles:

Provide the location of the registration title and insurance policies for your vehicles.

• Vehicle Make/Model: 2015 Subaru Crosstrek
• Location of Keys: Alex (daughter) has the spares, my set is always on the hook in the kitchen or in my purse.
• Location of Title: Safety deposit box at PNC closest to my house.
• Insurance Policy #: 000000000
• Location of Insurance Policy: Bottom left drawer of my desk.
• Name(s) of Owner: Carly Singer

Beneficiaries:

List the names and contact information of each beneficiary.

• Beneficiary Name: Alex Singer, Daughter
• Email: alex@email.com
• Address: 1234 Street Name, City, State, Zip Code
• Phone Number: 123-456-7890
• Specific Instructions: If I (Carly Singer) were to end up in an assisted living or nursing home facility, Alex takes ownership of my car, and my house, before I pass.

Death Certificates and Death Notification

In most cases, 6–12 certified death certifications are necessary to document your passing. In this section, provide information that will be needed for your death certificates:

• Full Name: Carly Louise Singer
• Address: 123 Street Name, City, State, Zip Code
• Marital Status: Widowed
• Spouse’s Name: Henry Andrew Singer
• Date of birth: 07/25/59
• Birthplace (city, state) New York City, New York
• Father’s name (first, middle, last): Robert James Singer
• Mother’s name (first, middle, maiden name): Elyssa June Everdeen
• Military records: N/A
• Social Security number: 000-00-000
• Education (highest diploma or degree received): High school diploma

Digital Records and Computers

• Computer Location: 123 Street Name, City, State, Zip Code in the downstairs office
• Computer Username: cls@email.com
• Computer Password: Alex1!
• Website URL: pnc.com
• Website Username: carlylousiesinger
• Website Password: h&c061580
• Secret Password or Phrase (if applicable): n/a

Finances

Make a list of personal property and financial information, including:

• PNC Checking: Account number # 0000000000
• PNC Savings account 1: 0000000000
• Credit Union Savings account 2: 0000000000
• IRAs: 000000000
• Certificates of deposit: N/A
• U.S. Savings Bonds: N/A

PNC Checking

• 0000000000 - Checking
• PNC Branch 12345 Street Name, City, State, Zip Code
• Carly Louise Singer - Sole Ownership
• Online Username: cls@email.com
• Online Password: h&c061580
• Checkbook (if applicable): In the downstairs office. Bottom locked drawer of the desk. Key is found in the kitchen on the ring labeled “outside keys.”
• Notes: N/A

PNC Savings

• 0000000000 - Savings
• PNC Branch 12345 Street Name, City, State, Zip Code
• Carly Louise Singer - Sole Ownership
• Online Username: cls@email.com
• Online Password: h&c061580
• Checkbook (if applicable): N/A
• Notes: N/A

Credit Union Savings

• 0000000000 - Savings
• Our Local Hometown Credit Union 123456 Street Address, City, State, Zip Code
• Carly Louise Singer, Alex Renee Singer - Dual Ownership
• Online login information (if applicable): N/A
• Checkbook (if applicable): N/A
• Notes: N/A

For investment accounts:

• Account number and type of account: 000000000 - IRA
• Company and address: 1212 Street Address, City, State, Zip Code
• Agent name and phone Bob Tully, at 123-456-7890
• Name(s) on account: Carly Louise Singer

For outstanding loans:

Not applicable.

For debt owed to you:

Not applicable.

Government Agencies and Information

• Where your Social Security Card is located: Safety deposit box @ PNC
• U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs: Location of Discharge Papers: N/A

Home Ownership Records, Lease Agreements, and Household Contents

Provide details on your home ownership records, including the deed, title insurance, mortgage papers, and more.

• Deed and location of deed: PNC Safety Deposit Box - PNC Branch 12345 Street Name, City, State, Zip Code
• Title Insurance and location of insurance: PNC Safety Deposit Box - PNC Branch 12345 Street Name, City, State, Zip Code
• Mortgage Papers and location of mortgage papers: PNC Safety Deposit Box - PNC Branch 12345 Street Name, City, State, Zip Code
• Homeowner Insurance and location of insurance: Homeowner Policy Number 00000000 - Locked desk drawer in the downstairs office.
• Beneficiary Deed and location of deed: Alex Renee Singer - PNC Safety Deposit Box - PNC Branch 12345 Street Name, City, State, Zip Code

Next in your letter of instruction for your will, provide a list of your household inventory or photographs of your household contents:

• Kitchen
  • Blender
  • Fridge
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Coffee maker
  • Plates, dishes, serving utensils, etc
• Master bedroom
  • King-sized mattress
  • King-sized bedroom set (2 dressers, 2 nightstands, 2 lamps, 1 king-sized bed frame)
• Guest bedroom
  • Queen sized mattress
  • Queen sized bedroom set (1 dresser, 2 nightstands, 2 lamps, 1 queen-sized bed frame)
• Downstairs living room
  • 3 end tables
  • 1 chaise lounge
  • 1 large cough
  • 1 small couch
  • 1 rocking chair
  • Tv stand
  • 60-inch flat screen tv
• Office
  • Desk
  • Computer
  • Office chair
• Location of photographs of your household contents: Locked desk drawer

Insurance

List all of your insurance policies with relevant details. Include life, auto, home, health, credit life, funeral, and burial insurance policies with the following information.

• Insurance policy: All insurance is through the same agent/company
• Company name: The best insurance company ever
• Address: 123 Insurance Rocks Dr., City, State, Zip Code
• Policy number: 00000000
• Insurance agent: George Best, 123-456-7890
• Location of policy: Locked bottom desk drawer

Personal Effects

Identify your personal effects and determine if you’d like to leave these items to particular family members or friends.

• Personal Property Item: House/Car
• Who will receive this item: Alex Renee Singer
• Relationship: Daughter
• Additional details or information: Both the house and the car are paid off, you will need to transfer titles to your name with presentation of a death certificate.

Pets

Provide information on your pets.

• Pet’s name: Rusty
• Pet’s age: 5
• Vaccination and health information: Up to date, his medical records are in the bottom desk drawer
• Food and dietary information: Prefers Authority food, feed 2x a day.
• Other details (favorite snacks, personal history, etc).: Loves blueberry treats, popcorn, and cuddling

Post Office Boxes and Safe Deposit Boxes

Provide the location and number of your post office box or safe deposit box.

• Location of P.O. box: N/A
• Where the key is located/Combination number: N/A
• Location of safe deposit box: PNC Branch 12345 Street Name, City, State, Zip Code
• List of contents: All deeds and most insurance policies, title to the car and the house, trust agreement and documents, original signed will.
• Where the key is located: In the bottom desk drawer. The key to that drawer is on the keyrings in the kitchen labeled “outside keys.”

Subscriptions

List your current subscriptions.

Notes: Sharing subscriptions with daughter Alex Renee Singer. I have nothing in my own name.

Taxes

Provide information on your income tax refunds and supporting documentation for the past five years.

• Location of tax refunds: Locked bottom desk drawer.

Trust and Wills

Describe any trust funds or wills.

• Location of trust fund: Financial Institution ABC
• Name of trustee: Alex Renee Singer
• Location of trust agreement: PNC Safety Deposit Box - PNC Branch 12345 Street Name, City, State, Zip Code
• Location of signed original will: PNC Safety Deposit Box - PNC Branch 12345 Street Name, City, State, Zip Code

Our content is created for educational purposes only. This material is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal, or investment advice. Everdays encourages individuals to seek advice from their own investment or tax advisor or legal counsel.