Why a Letter of Wishes Matters in Your Trust Planning
Did you know that every Trust should include a Letter of Wishes?
It’s a crucial document that guides how your assets are used and passed on—and it deserves your full attention.
A well-written Letter of Wishes serves three key purposes:
1) Clearly defines the intended use of assets
2) Minimizes disputes and misunderstandings
3) Ensures orderly and meaningful wealth succession
For example, I plan to leave HK$5 million to my daughter as a down payment for her first property, I might include three conditions:
1)The right of management and disposal of the property must be given solely to her (but not her spouse, if any)
2)If the property is rented, the rental profit generated must be used solely by my daughter
3)If she sells the property, the proceeds must be used to purchase another property or an insurance policy
These instructions must be clearly stated in the Letter of Wishes. The more precise the language, the better the outcome.
A trust isn’t just about setting aside money—it’s about intention, structure, and legacy. What you write today could shape your family’s future for generations.