An ethical will offers a way to convey what is most important in your
life -- your values, beliefs, stories, life lessons, wisdom, hopes,
and dreams -- to the most important people in your life. Since biblical times, people have used ethical wills to bestow blessings and pass their values on to future generations of their family.
Most ethical wills are in the form of a written document but others are
audio or videotaped for listening and viewing. They are intended to be
shared with your loved ones and passed along from generation to
generation of your family.
Ethical wills are not legal documents
but they can provide a personal context for completing your "last will
and testament" (legal will) and your "living will" (advance directive
for health care). They can also be a helpful guide for estate planning.
