Will vs Letter of Wishes: What Is the Difference?

LifeRegistry
August 12, 2026

A will and a letter of wishes can both play an important role in planning what happens after your death, but they serve very different purposes. A valid will is the formal document used to record important decisions about your estate, including who should benefit from your assets and who you want to act as your executor. In England and Wales, a will must meet specific legal requirements, including being written, signed and properly witnessed. A letter of wishes, by contrast, is generally used to provide additional personal guidance alongside a will. It can help explain your preferences, intentions or the reasons behind certain decisions, but it is not legally binding in the same way as a valid will. It should therefore support your estate planning rather than replace your will. Understanding the difference between the two can help you organise your life documents more clearly and leave your family with both formal instructions and useful personal guidance.

What Belongs in a Will?

Know the Difference

Your will is where the important legal decisions about your estate should normally be recorded. This can include who you want to inherit your money, property and belongings, who should act as your executor, and who you would like to care for children under 18. Because these decisions can affect how your estate is administered, it is important that the will is prepared and executed correctly.

“Let those who would fear for their own children if they left them helpless behind be mindful of Allah and speak words of justice.”

Surah An-Nisa (4:9)

What Can a Letter of Wishes Explain?

Add Personal Guidance

A letter of wishes can provide more personal guidance for your executors, trustees or family. It may explain preferences about sentimental possessions, provide context behind decisions in your will, or communicate wishes that do not need to form part of the formal legal document.