The Value of Creating an Ethical Will
- posted: Mar. 11, 2026
The value of estate plan cannot be overstated. Ensuring your affairs are in order, while you are able, is one of the greatest gifts you can give to those you love. The absence of legally sound documents can result in costly legal fees as well as emotional distress. If you have these documents created and carefully stored in either a fireproof box/safe deposit box, you have taken a very important step in future planning. However, these documents do not provide personal and emotional information that can be so valuable in times of loss. That is where an Ethical Will can come into play.
An ethical will, a document separate from your last will and testament or trust, can be a source of important information and comfort to those you love.
Taking the time to create one is something worth considering.
That said, you may be wondering “what is an ethical will”? The answer is simple. It is a document which provides you with the opportunity to speak directly from your heart and convey emotional information to your family and friends. It can include:
- Stories about your past
- Individuals whom you Trust and that your children can trust
- An explanation of what you value and why
- Important lessons that you have learned that you would like to share
- Reasons for the choices you have made throughout your life (family, career, and even those relating to your legal bequests)
- Your hopes for your friends and family and their futures
- Meaningful advice
This Ethical Will can be kept with your legal estate planning documents, and you can add to it as time passes. It will provide personal insight to those with whom it is ultimately shared. Its value is indescribable.
If you have your estate planning complete, you may want to consider adding an ethical will to go along with it. Be advised, however, that an ethical will is simply a vehicle to share your thoughts and feelings and is not legally binding. All health, wealth, childcare and property decisions should be made in accordance with your estate planning documents. Should you need assistance in creating an ethical will, let us know how we may be of assistance.
The Value of Creating an Ethical Will
- posted: Mar. 11, 2026
The value of estate plan cannot be overstated. Ensuring your affairs are in order, while you are able, is one of the greatest gifts you can give to those you love. The absence of legally sound documents can result in costly legal fees as well as emotional distress. If you have these documents created and carefully stored in either a fireproof box/safe deposit box, you have taken a very important step in future planning. However, these documents do not provide personal and emotional information that can be so valuable in times of loss. That is where an Ethical Will can come into play.
An ethical will, a document separate from your last will and testament or trust, can be a source of important information and comfort to those you love.
Taking the time to create one is something worth considering.
That said, you may be wondering “what is an ethical will”? The answer is simple. It is a document which provides you with the opportunity to speak directly from your heart and convey emotional information to your family and friends. It can include:
- Stories about your past
- Individuals whom you Trust and that your children can trust
- An explanation of what you value and why
- Important lessons that you have learned that you would like to share
- Reasons for the choices you have made throughout your life (family, career, and even those relating to your legal bequests)
- Your hopes for your friends and family and their futures
- Meaningful advice
This Ethical Will can be kept with your legal estate planning documents, and you can add to it as time passes. It will provide personal insight to those with whom it is ultimately shared. Its value is indescribable.
If you have your estate planning complete, you may want to consider adding an ethical will to go along with it. Be advised, however, that an ethical will is simply a vehicle to share your thoughts and feelings and is not legally binding. All health, wealth, childcare and property decisions should be made in accordance with your estate planning documents. Should you need assistance in creating an ethical will, let us know how we may be of assistance.
