Ethical wills: Creating a loving legacy

I am thankful to all those who have been good to me. I’ve learned to live a good life. I hope a good life for all.*

Ethical wills were first transmitted orally and would be shared when the death of the author was expected. Now that ethical wills are written documents, they are often made public while the author is alive and well, and can create special opportunities for ongoing dialogue and discussion. What a beautiful gift for your loved ones!

The most important ingredient in preparing an ethical will is to write from the heart. You don’t have to be a professional writer, and there are no limits on what messages you can pass on to family members. The only exception is to avoid writing with a grudge and with the intent to hurt or shame someone.

The legal will specifies the beneficiaries and the financial, property and material possessions to be distributed. An ethical will can provide an opportunity to help others understand your rationale for the distribution of these assets and potentially avoid some of the hurt that can result from seemingly “unfair” decisions. An explanation can be given why money has been divided in certain ways or why one adult child has been chosen over another to be head of the family business. An ethical will can be the connective thread for all your estate planning decisions. Isn’t this leaving your family with a loving legacy?

*Abridged from Ethical Wills: Putting Your Values on Paper, Dr. Barry Baines, Perseus Books, 2002

Linda Somers M.Ed is a Legacy Coach and coaches people on how to write ethical wills. www.will-help.com Contact her at [email protected]

© 2008 Linda Somers