Question 1

Can a statement of wishes replace my will?

Accepted Answer

No. A statement of wishes supports your will but does not replace it. Your will is the legal document that sets out your wishes for your assets when you die. If the two documents conflict, the instructions in your will take priority.

Question 2

Can I add an expert review to my statement of wishes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once you’ve paid for your statement of wishes, you can add an expert review for an additional cost. View our full pricing information here.

Question 3

Can I make a single statement of wishes for a couple?

Accepted Answer

No. Each person needs their own statement of wishes. However, couples can use the mirror option if they want to create similar statements of wishes. When a mirror statement of wishes is purchased and activated, an account is created for your spouse or partner and the common instructions, relationships and assets from your statement of wishes are copied to theirs, effectively mirroring each other. Each statement of wishes can then be tailored to reflect each person’s individual wishes.

Question 4

Can I use my statement of wishes to leave gifts or distribute my possessions?

Accepted Answer

No. Your instructions for distributing assets or other possessions should be included in your will. (Note that Public Trust statements of wishes created from 15 May 2026 no longer include gifting options.)

Question 5

Do I have to share my statement of wishes with my family?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. The document is addressed to your executor, and you can indicate who else you want it shared with, either in full or only in part.

Question 6

Do I need a lawyer or JP to witness or certify my statement of wishes?

Accepted Answer

No. A statement of wishes does not need to be witnessed or certified by a lawyer or JP. It is a personal guidance document, not a legally binding document like your will. However, you should make sure it is clearly dated, signed, and kept somewhere safe with your will so your executor can find it when needed.

Question 7

Does a statement of wishes need to go through probate?

Accepted Answer

No. A statement of wishes does not need to go through the High Court probate process. This means it can be available to your executor immediately. For example, guidance about your funeral wishes.

Question 8

How can a statement of wishes help my loved ones?

Accepted Answer

It can help reduce uncertainty by giving your loved ones clearer guidance at a difficult time. It may help them understand certain decisions and avoid having to guess about your personal preferences, funeral arrangements or other important wishes

Question 9

How much does a statement of wishes cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing information is available on Public Trust's website. You can view the current cost for creating a statement of wishes, including any available add-ons, in our full pricing information here.

Question 10

Is a statement of wishes legally binding?

Accepted Answer

No. A statement of wishes provides guidance but is not legally binding. Anything you want to be legally enforceable, particularly instructions about who receives your assets, should be included in your will.

Question 11

Is a statement of wishes private?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Unlike a will that has been through probate, a statement of wishes is a private document. This makes it more suitable for personal messages, explanations and information you may not want included in your will. You can also specify whether particular parts can be shared with other people.

Question 12

What can I include in a statement of wishes?

Accepted Answer

You can use it to:
Explain the reasons for your decisions on asset distribution, gifts and testamentary guardians

Record any additional funeral, burial or cremation preferences not otherwise recorded in your will

Share your organ donation wishes

Leave personal messages for loved ones

Provide guidance about the care of your pets

Provide guidance about digital assets or accounts.

Question 13

What is a statement of wishes?

Accepted Answer

A statement of wishes is a personal document to accompany your will. It’s a way of helping you hand over any special instructions, explanations and personal messages to your loved ones, and provides guidance to those involved in administering your estate. You can read more here: Make a statement of wishes - Public Trust

Question 14

When should I make a statement of wishes?

Accepted Answer

You can make one once you create your will or make one later. Completing both together can help ensure your legal instructions and personal guidance reflect the same intentions.

Question 15

When should I update my statement of wishes?

Accepted Answer

Review it when your circumstances or preferences change. This could be following changes in your relationships, a death of a family member, or changes to funeral preferences or personal wishes. You should also check that it remains consistent with your current will.

Question 16

Where should I keep my statement of wishes?

Accepted Answer

Keep it somewhere safe and make sure your executor knows where to find it. If it accompanies your will, Public Trust recommends keeping the original documents together.

Question 17

Who is a statement of wishes addressed to?

Accepted Answer

It is addressed to your executor, the person or organisation responsible for administering your estate. You can also specify whether particular parts can be shared with other people.

Question 18

Why do I need a statement of wishes if I already have a will?

Accepted Answer

Your will sets out what you want to happen to your estate, while a statement of wishes helps explain the reasoning behind your decisions. A statement of wishes can also cover personal details and provide guidance that may not be appropriate to include in a legal document, helping your loved ones better understand what matters to you.

Statement of wishes FAQs

FAQs about statement of wishes - click to expand each question