Generally in the format of a letter, an ethical will shares your heartfelt wishes and thoughts with your loved ones. This will is often times read to your family before your death.

Common themes seen in most ethical wills include:

• Important personal and spiritual values and beliefs
• Hopes and blessings for future generations
• Life lessons
• Love
• Forgiveness

An ethical will is not considered a legal document; it is a meaningful and touching way to leave behind something special for your loved ones.

The process of writing an ethical will can be very beneficial in identifying the values and beliefs most important to you, and may also assist you in determining how you want to approach your end-of-life care.

For help writing your own ethical will, please visit www.ethicalwill.com. The website offers helpful tips as well as samples to view.