What is an Ethical Will Or Legacy Letter?

Ethical wills are a way to share your love with family and close friends. Think of an ethical will as a heartfelt letter or legacy letter describing what truly matters most in your life. An ethical will passes on life lessons, values, joys, prayers, hopes and dreams for present and future generations. It doesn't have to be anything fancy-just a letter from the heart that expresses your thoughts.

Unlike a Last Will and Testament or a Living Will, an ethical will is not a legal document. An ethical will describes your treasures of the heart, not your treasures.

Why should you write your ethical will?

1. There is no one else like you! We all have incredible wisdom and experiences to share-no matter what age or background.

2. Ethical wills have the potential to affect multiple generations; perhaps even hundreds of years from now. Future generations can read the hopes and dreams of their loved ones from the past. They will be reminded of what was really and truly important to those who came before them and what they wanted them to always remember.

3. Writing an ethical will or legacy letter is a journey of self discovery. You may be reminded of all the love you have experienced in your life. You've accomplished many things through the years. You'll have the opportunity to recall both the joys and challenges of your life-and realize how remarkable a life it has been.

An ethical will is one of the greatest gifts one can give to their children and grandchildren.

Once completed, it is imparative that the ethical will or legacy letter is kept in a safe place-someplace where your loved ones will be sure to find it someday (perhaps with your Last Will and Testament). You may also want to share your ethical will with your family and friends at the time you write it-ethical wills can certainly help in communicating how you really feel and it may be a great conversation starter.