Letters of Instruction

[Jules001]

If somebody writes a letter of instructions to be used instead of a Will, is it legally binding and if the person died would they be classed as having died intestate?

[dzug]

It's not legally binding - they would be intestate.

It would not be illegal to carry out their wishes provided all the adversely affected beneficiaries under the intestacy agreed. There could be tax disadvantages in doing so though.