Robert H. Levin -Attorney at Law         

Ethical Wills:

Frequently Asked Questions

 Copyright 2003, Robert H. Levin

 What Is an Ethical Will?

            An Ethical Will is a way for you to memorialize and pass on what is most important to you: your values.  It is a document in which you can express your most cherished beliefs and thoughts.  There are no rules or requirements to follow in writing an Ethical Will.  What you choose to write is limited only by your imagination and what you want to say.  

What are the Typical Contents of an Ethical Will?

            It is difficult to call any Ethical Will “typical,” because each contains the unique messages and values of its author.  However, some common elements of Ethical Wills include:

o     Expressions of love for friends and family members

o     Sharing of important life lessons

o     Wishes and hopes for the future

o     Asking forgiveness of others

o     Reflections upon past events

 How Is an Ethical Will Different from a Legal Will?

            A Legal Will is a formal document that directs how your possessions will be distributed.  An Ethical Will can be as formal or informal as one desires.  An Ethical Will is generally not a legal document in the sense that it does not distribute possessions and is not binding on anyone.   

Are Ethical Wills Some Kind of New Idea?

            Not at all.  Ethical Wills have been around since Biblical times and have varied from one civilization to the next.  More recently, a Minnesota hospice physician, Barry K. Baines, reintroduced and popularized the concept of Ethical Wills throughout the United States.  Thousands of people are rediscovering Ethical Wills as a way to add meaning to their lives and their legacies. 

When Would I Write an Ethical Will?

            There is no right or wrong time to write an Ethical Will.  Many people choose to write one in combination with their Legal Will.  Others find that an Ethical Will can play a valuable role during turning points in their lives, such as getting married or bearing children. 

What Would I Do with a Completed Ethical Will?

            Again, there are no rules.  Some choose to share them with loved ones while they are still living.  Others ask that their Ethical Wills be read aloud at their funeral. 

How Do I Write an Ethical Will?  Is There Any Help Out There?

            You can pick up a pen and start writing an Ethical Will entirely on your own.  On the other hand, many people find it helpful to seek assistance from a medical or spiritual advisor.  In addition, a handful of attorneys, including myself, incorporate Ethical Wills into their practice.  If you are the type of person who learns from books, there are a number of written resources available for free or for purchase at www.ethicalwill.com.  

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