What Is an Explanatory Letter and How Does It Relate To a Will?

An explanatory letter is a separate document that you attach to your Will. The purpose of an explanatory letter is to explain the wishes set forth in your Will. When you create a Will, it is wise to include only the specific instructions regarding disbursement of your assets, rather than going into great detail explaining why certain assets are being given to certain beneficiaries. An explanatory letter is the place to include the reasoning behind the wishes you expressed in your Will and make any necessary explanations regarding said Will. Things that you can include in your explanatory letter are: explanations about gifts, final thoughts, and instructions for what to do with a pet. An explanatory letter is not at all legally binding, but can help to clarify your intentions if your Will is in any way contested. It also allows you to have a final say on any personal matters, which can help bring peace of mind to your loved ones.