Ethics

Ethical Will

When people leave a legacy, it is often assumed to be a substantial sum of money to one's children or to an institution the person cared about. But there's another kind of legacy one leaves, and that is the impact of their life here on earth.

Just as many people leave a last will and testiment to distribute their material possessions, many people have begun leaving an ethical will which sums up their philosophy of life. Some children find that the thoughts and desires that their parents left them means more to them than the money.

Ethical wills stem from the Jewish tradition, although people of all religions are embrasing them today. 3000 years ago, the Hebrew Bible described what an ethical will was. The book of John in the New Testament also deals with ethical wills.

Ethical wills vary from the last will and testament in two significant ways. The first is that it is not a binding legal document. The second is that it is often shared with the family and the community prior to the writer's death.

Some of the things you may want to incorporate into your document include:

• Your reflections about what's important in life
• A personal message to those you leave behind
• Explanations of any hurtful or confusing parts of your legal will
• A personal history including what you learned from your parents and grandparents as a way to continue their legacy
• Reflections on challenges you faced and the ways you overcame them
• Dreams for children, grandchildren, and the world at large

When you begin drafting your ethical will, you will soon find that you are in the process of learning about yourself. It is a meaningful exercise for someone who has lived a full life to do. Developing an ethical will often provides as much fulfillment for the person drafting it as it does for those who read it.

Some people find that journaling for several months before actually drafting the document helps bring their ideas into focus and makes the actual writing much easier.

As Baby Boomers age, these documents are becoming a way to transmit "values" as well as "valuables."

Ethical wills have traditionally been written documents. But, as they are not legal documents, you can leave your legacy in any medium you choose. Videos are becomming a popular way to leave an ethical will.

And, as I mentioned earlier, you don't have to wait until you die to have your ethical will read. Parents of seniors headding off to high school find that is an ideal time to share their values through this document. Because it is a natural transition from childhood to adulthood, it is an ideal time to share one's values.

While there are books and consultants to guide you in developing an ethical will, all you really need is an idea about what really matters in life and a way to share it with those you love.

Article Published: Monday 17th December 2007