Ethical Wills or legacy letters are documents that allow you to share your values, experiences, and life lessons with your family after you are no longer here. Many people also choose to write an Ethical Will if they have young children and want to convey their wishes and hopes for their children.
Your Ethical Will can discuss a wide range of topics such as your favorite things and hobbies, your academic and professional life, and your religious and political views. If you enjoy cooking, consider leaving some of your unique recipes behind to be passed down.
You do not have to be an expert to write your own Ethical Will, but sometimes it is helpful to have an outside service walk you through the process. If you aren't sure where to start, www.livingwisely.org is a website that offers guidance for creating Ethical Wills and provides training to financial planners, hospice workers, and other professionals to help clients create their legacy letters. If you prefer a book to guide you, try “So Goes The Tree” (https://www.amazon.com/So-Grows-Tree-Creating-Ethical/dp/0966185137/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=so+grows+the+tree&qid=1600784356&sr=8-2). Most Ethical Wills are only about a page or two long.
Writing an Ethical Will is your way to leave a footprint on the earth once you are gone, and your loved ones will appreciate having this memory of you that they can hold onto.