Document background
The Estate Planning Letter of Intent is a crucial supplementary document used in Australian estate planning to bridge the gap between legally binding documents and personal wishes. While not legally enforceable, it serves as a comprehensive guide that provides executors, family members, and other relevant parties with detailed information about asset locations, personal preferences, care instructions, and explanations for various estate planning decisions. This document becomes particularly important in complex family situations, when dealing with substantial assets, or when specific personal wishes need to be communicated. The Letter of Intent helps prevent confusion and potential conflicts during estate administration by providing clear context and practical information that might not be appropriate for inclusion in formal legal documents like wills or trusts.
