Decline to Give Advice • Example Letters, Guides and Samples
Guides
If you cannot give advice, express your regret, and suggest that someone else would be in a better position to do so. Avoid comments or expressions of personal opinion, unless they are complimentary.
How to write this advice letter:
- Explain in an inoffensive way that you cannot or would rather not give advice. If appropriate, suggest who may be qualified to do so.
- Express your good wishes.
Example Letter #1
I am flattered that you would ask me for advice on such a delicate matter. I regret that I cannot be much help to you. I have neither the wisdom nor the experience to guide you in your divorce. However, I have a friend in Springfield, John Doe, who practices family law. If you wish, I can refer you to him. Whatever you decide to do, you have my best wishes.
Example Letter #2
Although I am flattered that you have asked for my advice, I am sorry that I must decline your request. My experience in the area of commercial real estate has been limited, so I really don't feel qualified to answer your questions.
However, John Doe, another agent in our office, has worked in this area for more than ten years and has a thorough understanding of the issues involved. I would recommend that you contact him with your questions.
Thank you for thinking of me. I wish you success in your new project.
Example Letter #3
I received your letter asking me for advice on how to invest the insurance settlement you recently received. While I appreciate the confidence you have shown in me, I really feel it would be better if you asked someone with more objectivity. I value our friendship too much to become involved with advising you in financial matters. There are many qualified, reputable professionals who can advise you better than I could.
I wish you the best in finding someone who can help you with this important matter. I look forward to seeing you at the Club's annual holiday party next month.
Example Letter #4
Much as I would like to take some of the credit for the next great decision in your life, I must bow out. Advising you on your relationship with Jane Doe would put me into a conflict of interest that could come back and haunt me.
I wish you the very best of luck and wisdom in this tricky situation.
Write Your Letter Step-by-Step
1 Explain in an inoffensive way that you cannot or would rather not give advice. If appropriate, suggest who may be qualified to do so.
Sample Sentences for Step 1
- I appreciate your confidence in me in asking for advice, but I don't feel I know enough about the situation to give a good answer.
- Because I am not familiar with your situation and with this state's laws concerning your predicament, I feel unqualified to give my comments. Perhaps my colleagues, Doe and Doe, located in downtown Springfield, could serve you better. I would be happy to set up an appointment for you if you would like.
- I am sorry but I cannot offer you advice as to which direction to take. I believe you and your husband should study the options together and then come to a mutual decision.
- I really don't believe that I am the most qualified person to give that type of advice; however, if you just want to talk, I am here to listen.
- Because of the risk of litigation, the legal office advises me that I should refrain from giving investment advice at this time.
- Thank you for thinking of me when you needed advice. I am flattered, but I think someone with more experience in investing would be better qualified to help you.
- If I knew a lot about real estate, I would be glad to advise you. Since my knowledge is limited, it is best that I try not to give advice. I think that my brother, John, may be the best person to ask.
- I appreciate your coming to me with such a complex problem, but I do not feel qualified to help.
- Thank you for entrusting me with such personal and confidential information. I am glad you feel you can come to me with problems. Unfortunately, I cannot give you advice in this case, because I lack the medical knowledge. May I suggest that you speak with my friend, Dr. John Doe? He is a professional and will keep your discussions in strict confidence.
Sample Phrases for Step 1
- always willing to
- am sorry, but I am unable to
- am not in a position to
- appreciate your confidence in me, but
- asking me about
- do not feel qualified to
- don't know enough about
- is very knowledgeable about
- is an expert on
- know very little about
- may be a better person to
- may I suggest that
- not my area of expertise
- not familiar with
- regret that I cannot
- thank you for
- thinking of me in this regard
- was honored by your request, but
- would be happy to
- would serve you better
2 Express your good wishes.
Sample Sentences for Step 2
- Although I am unable to help you, I hope that you will soon find a suitable solution.
- I send you my best wishes as you resolve this difficult situation.
- I hope you can find the answer you are searching for.
- I hope that all goes well.
- If I can help you in another way, please let me know.
- I wish you the best of luck in whatever decision you make.
Sample Phrases for Step 2
- although I am unable to help
- am confident that you
- am sure that you will
- certainly deserve to
- have no doubt that you
- have my best wishes
- help in any other way
- hope that you
- that everything will work out
- things will go well for
- to a successful conclusion
- will turn out fine
- will undoubtedly succeed
- will work things out
- will succeed in this
- will find the best course of action
- will be able to resolve
- will soon find
- wish you all the best
- wish you the best of luck
