What is an ethical will?

An ethical will is a personal document that passes down values, life lessons, and memories to loved ones, rather than material assets. It serves as a way to share wisdom, cultural heritage, and personal experiences with future generations, offering a meaningful legacy beyond financial inheritance.

While not legally binding, ethical wills help preserve family history, explain past decisions, and provide guidance for the future. There's no set format, allowing individuals to express their thoughts and hopes in their own way, creating a lasting emotional connection for those left behind.

Prompts to consider when writing an ethical will:

  • My experience learning about money
  • My experience learning about work
  • My experience with making mistakes (about money, work, prioritization of family, etc.)
  • What would you suggest they do to have a meaningful or fulfilling life?
  • What would you suggest they do differently, earlier, or later than you did?
  • What would you tell them to avoid?

Uploading your ethical will to Trust & Will

If you choose to write an ethical will, you can upload it to your Trust & Will account and designate a legacy contact, who will gain access to your uploaded files (including your ethical will) upon your death.

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