When Should You Write an Ethical Will?
There is no set time. It depends on your intent and sense of importance of the time in your life:
Unlike a “Last Will and Testament”, an Ethical Will is not a legal document about the distribution of your financial and material assets. The Ethical Will provides your loved ones with a very special inheritance — values, forgiveness, thankfulness.
Preparation of an Ethical Will is an ancient tradition, dating back to Biblical times. People today also feel an urgency to come to terms with their own mortality. They want to leave something of themselves behind for their families and community.
Dr. Barry Baines, author of Ethical Wills: Putting Your Values on Paper, has championed the revival of interest in the Ethical Will as a means of sharing among the generations.
Why Write an Ethical Will?
There are many reasons for wanting to write an Ethical Will:
- Pass on your values, beliefs, ideals to your children, grandchildren or community
- Forgive, or ask for forgiveness
- Share your story
- Explain your desired funeral arrangements
- Clarify your values for yourself to better manifest them in your living
- Mark and celebrate a transition in your life
Need Help Getting Started?
Contact me about hosting a group workshop or public presentation on Ethical Will preparation. I also can provide individual help in writing your own Ethical Will.
