Statement of Wishes

It's not an easy subject to broach, but planning for the inevitable is an act of love, responsibility, and foresight. When a loved one passes it can feel like you have no time to grieve, as you are busy planning for their funeral. While you might have heard of wills and trusts, there's another essential document that often goes overlooked: the Statement of Wishes. In this blog, we'll explore the importance, benefits, and features of a Statement of Wishes, which can be a vital guide for your loved ones when you pass away.

What is a Statement of Wishes? A Statement of Wishes, often referred to as a Letter of Wishes, is a personal document that accompanies your will or trust. It provides additional instructions and guidance to your families, executors, trustees, or beneficiaries.

Unlike your will or trust, a Statement

of Wishes is not a legally binding document. However, it serves as an essential resource for those tasked with managing your estate and carrying out your wishes.

The Components of a Statement of Wishes

1. Personal Values and Wishes: This section is an opportunity to express your personal beliefs, values, and priorities. It's a place where you can elaborate on your wishes for the distribution of your assets and the care of your loved ones, emphasizing the "why" behind your decisions. 2. Funeral and Burial Preferences: If you have specific desires for your funeral or burial arrangements, this is the place to articulate them. This might include preferences for the type of service, location, or burial method, in line with your cultural or religious beliefs. 3. Guidance for Guardians: If you have minor children or dependents, you can use your Statement of Wishes to provide recommendations for their guardianship. This is especially valuable when the designated guardians need insights into your parenting philosophy and your hopes for your children's upbringing. 4. Special Bequests: If you wish to leave personal items or financial gifts to individuals, charities, or organizations, you can detail these in your Statement of Wishes. It's where you can express the significance of these items or contributions. 5. Digital Assets and Passwords: In our increasingly digital world, it's important to account for your online presence. Include information about your digital assets, such as social media accounts, email accounts, and instructions on how to access them. 6. Posthumous Messages: Many people use a Statement of Wishes to leave personal messages or words of wisdom to their loved ones. These messages can provide comfort and guidance to family and friends, and they might be especially meaningful to your loved ones during their grieving process.

Benefits of a Statement of Wishes

One of the key benefits of a Statement of Wishes is its flexibility. It allows you to adapt and revise your instructions as your life circumstances change, ensuring that your document remains relevant and accurate.

Your posthumous messages, personal anecdotes, and words of wisdom can provide emotional support and solace to your loved ones, helping them navigate the grieving process. By specifying your wishes and the reasons behind them, you can reduce the potential for conflicts among beneficiaries. This, in turn, can help maintain family unity during a challenging time.

A Statement of Wishes ensures that your personal legacy is preserved. It can tell the story of your life, values, and beliefs, allowing future generations to better understand and connect with your memory.

Your Statement of Wishes can be put together at any time, there is no specific age or life stage at which you must create a Statement of Wishes. Whether you're in your 20s or your 80s, having a Statement of Wishes can provide peace of mind.

The important thing is that your document reflects your current values and wishes, and you should update it as your life circumstances change. Major life events, such as marriage, the birth of a child, divorce, or the loss of a loved one, often trigger a reevaluation of your priorities and wishes. These moments can serve as opportune times to create or revise your Statement of Wishes.

Creating a Statement of Wishes is a deeply personal and sometimes emotional process, and it's important to involve the right individuals in the discussion. This can be your Family and Loved Ones, Executors and Trustees, Guardians for Minor Children, Legal and Financial Advisors or your funeral director.

Contact Willow Tree funerals today on 02 8776 1667 to get your free copy of a Statement of Wishes. We will be happy to assist you during this time so that your loved ones can have peace of mind and focus on making memories together.