Legacy Letters and Ethical Wills
A legacy letter gives your family the words a legal will cannot: what you learned, what you believe, and what you hope they carry forward.
The heart side of estate planning
A legal will explains what happens to property. A legacy letter explains what mattered to you.
Through one or two guided conversations, we help you share values, turning points, gratitude, apologies, blessings, and the lessons you hope your children or grandchildren remember. The result can be a polished letter, a small illustrated booklet, or the opening chapter of a larger legacy book.
What you might include
- The principles that guided your life
- Stories behind the lessons you learned
- Messages for particular children or grandchildren
- Family traditions you hope continue
- Gratitude, forgiveness, and hopes for the future
You can read our guide to legacy letters and ethical wills before deciding whether this smaller project fits.
What families ask
Is a legacy letter legally binding?
No. A legacy letter complements a legal will but does not replace it or distribute property.
How long is a legacy letter?
It may be a few carefully written pages or a short illustrated keepsake, depending on how much you want to share.
Can it be recorded instead of written?
Yes. Your message can begin as a recorded conversation and be delivered as writing, audio, or both.