How do I leave a message to be read after my death?

September 5, 2014 8:06 AM

I am writing a letter, which I would like to keep secret until after my death. In the movies it seems so easy, but how would one really go about doing it?

This isn't a morbid question. I am (thankfully, and I hope) not close to death. I do want to be able to explain things to some people after I go, and I feel in the mood to write it down NOW. I'm UK based, so any advice would need to take this into account. Thanks!

posted by Myeral to Writing & Language (11 answers total)

If you have an estate attorney that has a copy of your will, could you leave it in that file with them, with instructions?
posted by needlegrrl at 8:07 AM on September 5, 2014 [4 favorites]

Give it to your attorney or place it in a safe deposit box with your other important documents.
posted by xingcat at 8:11 AM on September 5, 2014 [2 favorites]

I feel like there's a website that does this too -- like you have to ping it every few months or it will broadcast your message(s) to your chosen set of recipients. If they have email, etc.
posted by acm at 8:12 AM on September 5, 2014 [1 favorite]

More ideas:

Deposit it, sealed, with a trusted friend or family member.

Leave it at the bottom of your jewelry box or similar personal, important container (men's dresser valet, tucked in your stamp collection, etc.) and trust that someone will find it while going through your effects.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 8:19 AM on September 5, 2014 [1 favorite]

Write a will with the requirement that the letter be read.
posted by Ironmouth at 8:20 AM on September 5, 2014 [5 favorites]

acm: "I feel like there's a website that does this too -- like you have to ping it every few months or it will broadcast your message(s) to your chosen set of recipients. If they have email, etc."

It's called 'Deathswitch'. It's mentioned in this article, along with a bunch of other 'social media after you die' tools.
posted by Happy Dave at 8:33 AM on September 5, 2014

It's called 'Deathswitch'.

There's also Dead Man's Switch, which gives you a few more messages for free.
posted by Etrigan at 9:04 AM on September 5, 2014 [2 favorites]

Definitely give it to an attorney who will also take care of your will, or leave the letter in a safety deposit box and leave the key to a close relative in your will.
posted by Sara_NOT_Sarah at 9:52 AM on September 5, 2014

If you have a Google account, and don't want to have to use/remember to keep up with a dedicated website for your message, you could also use Google's Inactive Account Manager.
posted by fifthrider at 10:12 AM on September 5, 2014

I have a letter like this in my safe deposit box at my bank. But if your letter includes something like your funeral preferences, you might be best off leaving it with your lawyer to open with your will.
posted by easily confused at 11:30 AM on September 5, 2014

I think you could probably include a statement in your actual will, no?
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 5:12 PM on September 5, 2014