LMWF | Ethical Wills

In March 2006, Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP (LMWF) unveiled our Ethical Wills and Letter of Instruction program to compliment our existing estate planning services.

Ethical Wills

An Ethical Will is not a legally binding document like a Last Will and Testament, but instead, is a document in which the writer leaves his/her family and friends the wisdom of the writer's experience - perhaps the greatest asset that any of us has to pass on. The content uniquely captures the writer's thoughts and perspective, and can include parental advice to children, recollections from the writer's life, detailed recommendations regarding a family business, and other important lessons, insights and blessings. We have found that the value of these insights can be greater than the passing on of tangible assets.

For clients who are interested, we work with a professional video production company that can prepare a DVD to accompany your written Ethical Will, where you can share your thoughts through the benefits of modern technology.

Please click here to read the article “Reintroducing the Ethical Will: Expanding the Lawyer's Toolbox,” by LMWF Managing Partner Scott E. Friedman and Dr. Alan G. Weinstein, which was published by the American Bar Association.

Letters of Instruction

A companion piece to this planning opportunity is a separate document that we refer to as a Letter of Instruction. This document is designed to provide the writer's family with information that could be helpful on the writer's passing. Some of our clients have used this document to provide their family with information on the location of key documents and key advisors. We can provide you with other suggestions that might be appropriate for you.

We invite you to contact us at (716) 853-5100 to discuss these services.