Harry Houdini, the famous magician and escape artist, was deeply interested in spiritualism. He wanted to believe that the dead could communicate with the living, and he tried many times throughout his life to make contact with his deceased mother.
But after encountering many fraudulent mediums and others claiming to have spoken with the dead during séances, Houdini became deeply suspicious of anyone capitalizing on supposed supernatural phenomena. Thanks to his experience as an illusionist and magician, he was able to expose the tricks so-called clairvoyants were using to bilk grieving families out of their hard-earned money. He even testified before Congress in support of laws that would outlaw such deceptions.
As part of his estate plan, he put spiritualism to one final test. In his will, Houdini instructed that a séance be conducted each year on the anniversary of his death. And he and his wife came up with a secret code word that would serve as proof of his presence if he was successfully contacted during a séance.
For ten years following his death, Bess Houdini faithfully held séances on the anniversary of his passing — Halloween.
No successful contact with Houdini’s spirit was ever made, but this story does illustrate the ability of people to use their estate plans to speak to their loved ones from beyond the grave.
One way to do so is by drafting a Letter of Intent (LOI) to accompany your traditional estate planning documents (will, trust, Power of Attorney, etc.).
What is a Letter of Intent?
While not legally binding under Mississippi law, a well-crafted Letter of Intent can enhance your estate plan by communicating your desires, values, and long-term goals to the people who will be responsible for carrying out your final wishes. It can provide detailed personal instructions that may not be appropriate or necessary to include in legal documents.
For example, you might use an LOI to:
- Explain why you’ve made certain decisions in your will, such as leaving specific items to certain family members.
- Offer personal messages to loved ones or share memories.
- Provide guidance on the management of family heirlooms or business interests.
- Clarify your values around charitable giving or philanthropy.
- Outline your vision for the care and support of a loved one with special needs.
This letter can be an extraordinary resource for your estate executor, trustees, and family members as they navigate your estate plan and carry out your final wishes.
How Does a Letter of Intent Work?
A Letter of Intent is essentially a guide to your personal wishes. It articulates the intangible aspects of estate planning: the emotions, memories, and visions that can’t be captured in a purely legal document. It allows your personality to shine through and ensures your intentions are understood by those responsible for administering your estate.
By clearly communicating your desires, you can:
- Prevent misunderstandings or disputes among beneficiaries.
- Help your executor or trustee manage your estate in a manner consistent with your values.
- Provide context for your decisions, especially if certain family members or causes receive specific attention.
- Offer reassurance and guidance to your loved ones, reducing their emotional burden during an already challenging time.
Preserving your wealth. Protecting your loved ones.
Though not a legal requirement in Mississippi, a Letter of Intent is a thoughtful addition to any comprehensive estate plan. It can help you communicate your wishes from beyond the grave — no medium or Ouiji board is required.
If you would like to draft a Letter of Intent as part of the estate planning process, the Palmer & Slay team is ready to help. Please contact our experienced team of attorneys to schedule an appointment.