ETHICAL WILLS: “Putting Your Values on Paper”

At turning points in our lives, many of us ask ourselves questions of the heart and soul.
       
Have I fulfilled my purpose?
       
What will I be remembered for?
       
What kind of legacy have I passed along to my family and others?

An ancient tradition for passing on personal values, beliefs, blessings, stories,    and advice to relatives and for future generations, an ethical will can mean more to friends and family than any material possession we could bequeath to them.

A legal will (“Last Will and Testament”) should always be prepared by an attorney and bequeaths property. A living will is a document that contains specific instructions about medically related issues. Both legal wills and living wills are legal documents under the law. An ethical will is not  a legal document; however what all three types of documents have in common is the fact that they provide instructions to other as to the intentions of the author. Legal wills bequeath valuables, while ethical wills bequeath values. Ethical will are also called “loving wills” or “personal values wills.” Ethical wills offer a communication link between the generations.

What’s in an ethical will? Why not include your philosophy, affection and values in your estate planning documents?  Every estate plan reflects transfers of personal values, good or bad, to future generations. Values are not permanent. They must  continuously be strengthened, changed, or refined.  Consider leaving a lasting written reminder of the personal values you believe to be most important.  As you think about what you might include in your own ethical will, you need to realize that there will be contributions from your past, present and future. Some of our values and beliefs have been passed on to us from our predecessors. Our own life experiences shape our character and help form a foundation of our values and principles.  Looking into the future, ponder what we might yet become and what we have left to do.


Here are some common themes found in ethical wills:

Common themes from our past:

• Meaningful personal or family stories
• Lessons learned from personal or family experiences
• Regrets

Common themes from the present:

• Personal values and beliefs
• Values and beliefs of the author’s faith community
• Expressions of love and gratitude
• Apologies

      Common themes for the future:

• Blessings, dreams ,and hopes for present and future generations
• Advice and guidance
• Requests
• Funeral plans

Here is a sample format for your ethical will:

ETHICAL WILL OF

(YOUR NAME) 

Dear_________________________________
If I had the choice to give you personal values or worldly goods, I would give personal values.  With personal values, you get worldly goods and much more.  Personal values include faith, loyalty,  honesty, ability, compassion, sportsmanship, and I hope, a sense of humor.

I have fully enjoyed life, being blessed with exceptional family  and friends. During my lifetime, I tried to make a difference. Hopefully, I have had some success in giving to  you and to future  generations the personal values I believe to be important. Perhaps these words will remind you of choices.

I give the following personal values to those who will accept them:
            Religious faith  (explain)
            Loyalty (explain)
            Love (explain)
            Honesty (explain)
            Work ethic (explain)
            Curiosity (explain)
            Compassion (explain)
            Civility (explain)
            Sportsmanship (explain)
            Sense of humor (explain)
            Creativity (explain)
            Patriotism (explain)

   Thrift (explain) 

   Other (explain
 

Date____________________________    Signature_________________________ 

Location________________________
 

Prepare your own Ethical Will now.  Review it and change it regularly. Transfer

the same values while you are alive.  Make sure that selected loved ones and

friends read it now or later.