Ethical Will Template

What Is the Ethical Will?

An ethical will is a personal legacy document that shares your values, beliefs, wisdom, and hopes with loved ones. Unlike a legal will that distributes property, an ethical will passes on the intangible inheritance that often matters more—who you were, what you learned, and what you want your family to carry forward.

This template provides structured sections for sharing core values, life lessons, family history, personal messages, forgiveness, and final blessings. You write in your own words to create an authentic record of what you believe, what shaped you, and what you hope for those you love after you're gone.

 

Is This Ethical Will Right for You?

You need this template if you're:

• Planning your estate and want to pass on more than assets
• Facing serious illness and want to share final wisdom
• Preserving family history and traditions for future generations
• Documenting life lessons your children need to hear
• Creating a meaningful complement to your legal will
• Recording your values and beliefs for grandchildren

You definitely need this template if:

• You want your family to understand what truly mattered to you
• Family stories and wisdom will die unless you write them down
• You have unfinished conversations or unexpressed love to share
• You want to prevent family conflict by clarifying your values
• Your grandchildren might never know who you really were

 

 

Why Thousands Trust Legal GPS Templates

Save Money: Professional legacy writing services charge $500 to $2,000. Create your own ethical will for $35 with attorney-drafted structure.

Save Time: Download immediately and complete at your own pace. Work on it over days or weeks as memories and wisdom surface.

Look Professional: Organized sections and thoughtful prompts ensure nothing important gets forgotten. Creates a polished document your family will treasure.

Keeps You Out of Court: Clear sections for Core Values and Beliefs, Life Lessons and Wisdom, Personal Messages, and Forgiveness prevent misunderstandings about your intentions, reduce family conflict, and preserve your authentic voice for generations.

 

 

Get Protected in 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Secure Checkout

Complete your purchase in under 60 seconds. We accept all major credit cards through our secure payment processor.

Step 2: Instant Download

Receive your template immediately via email. Download the ethical will template and comprehensive how-to guide in Microsoft Word format.

Step 3: Fill In the Highlighted Fields

Follow the included guide to document your values, share life lessons, preserve family stories, write personal messages, and express final blessings. Work at your own pace over days or weeks.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this template multiple times?

Yes. After purchase, you can create multiple versions as your life evolves. Many people update their ethical will every few years as new wisdom emerges or family circumstances change.

Is this contract legally binding?

No. An ethical will is not a legal document and creates no binding obligations. It's a personal legacy document that shares values and wisdom, distinct from your legal will which distributes property.

Do I need witnesses or notarization?

No legal requirement exists for witnesses or notarization. However, having two witnesses sign adds credibility that these are your authentic thoughts and that you were of sound mind when writing.

What's the difference between this and a legal will?

Your legal will transfers property and assets to heirs. Your ethical will transfers values, wisdom, stories, and blessings. One deals with what you own, the other with who you are.

Can I include religious or spiritual content?

Absolutely. The template includes sections for religious and spiritual beliefs with options to describe faith traditions, secular philosophies, or spiritual practices. Customize it to reflect your authentic worldview.

What if I'm not good at writing?

The template includes detailed prompts, examples, and guidance for each section. You're writing from the heart for people who love you—perfect prose doesn't matter. Authenticity and honesty matter.