The old tradition of ethical wills has been transformed into a new trend with the use of technology. An ethical will is not a legal document, but is used as an estate planning tool that passes down wisdom. An ethical will can be used to give surviving family members and friends closure and hope, and helps to alleviate some of the stress of the process, which can aid with estate administration and the family dynamic during the mourning period. Some individuals are using videos, PowerPoint slide shows, and apps, such as StoryCatcher, to create ethical wills. Ethical wills created with the aid of technology can include music, pictures and video clips, and can be kept online on websites such as Dropbox.
See Constance Gustke, The Ethical Will, an Ancient Concept, Is Revamped for the Tech Age, The New York Times, Oct . 31, 2014.
Special thanks to Brian Cohan (Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Brian J. Cohan, P.C.) for bringing this article to my attention.
