Write an Ethical Will

An ethical will, sometimes called an ethical legacy, is a document written to preserve and pass along key moral and life lessons. An ethical will is not a legally binding document and is not intended as a way to distribute property or money. However, these documents are becoming increasingly popular as baby boomers reach retirement age and beyond. Following is a rundown on how to prepare an ethical will.

• An ethical will can be hand written or prepared on a computer. Most ethical wills are relatively short (a few pages).
• One popular format is to write a first person essay describing what have been key lessons in life. Some people write about childhood experiences or careers that taught valuable character traits such as honesty, integrity, thrift, loyalty or perseverance.
• Another technique is to write an ethical will in letter form, addressing children or a spouse. In this letter, the individual describes how each person has been loved and valued by them.
• The tone of an ethical will is always first person, positive, and loving, and should contain no surprises that could disturb family members or loved ones. This is not the appropriate place to resurrect family feuds, air political or religious opinions, or assign blame. Grievances are better handled in person or with a third party, not put into writing
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• Keep a copy with other important papers. Some people choose to share their ethical wills with loved ones right after they've written them. In this way the document becomes an affirmation - and a celebration - of what has been important in his or her life.