Legacy Leaders Network

Tips of the week!

Trivia Question❓

Which modern platform encourages people to write letters to loved ones that are delivered in the future, preserving personal messages and life lessons?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Creating a ‘Values-Based Will’ to Complement Legal Documents

When most people think of a will, they think of a legal document that divides up their assets. But what if a will could do more than allocate property? What if it could communicate values, express love, and guide future generations? That’s the power of a values-based will — a personal, heartfelt companion to the traditional estate documents that brings meaning to the mechanics of wealth transfer.

A values-based will isn’t a legal tool. It won’t replace a last will and testament, living trust, or other binding documents. Instead, it serves as a moral framework and emotional compass. It’s a way for clients to articulate the “why” behind the “what.” Why did they make the decisions they did? Why are certain assets going to particular people or causes? What do they hope their legacy will teach or inspire?

This kind of message is especially important in complex family dynamics, blended families, or when a client’s choices might surprise or confuse loved ones. Rather than leaving heirs to speculate — or worse, argue — a values-based will can offer clarity and peace of mind. When people understand the intent behind a decision, they’re more likely to accept it with grace, even if it’s not what they expected.

As an advisor, you can encourage clients to create this personal expression as part of their overall legacy plan. You might ask questions like: What values guided your life? What lessons do you hope your children or grandchildren carry forward? Are there stories behind your giving decisions or how you built your wealth? By prompting these reflections, you help clients give the gift of understanding — which is often more powerful than money alone.

Clients can write their values-based will in the form of a letter, a video, or even a series of short notes to specific people. There’s no one “right” way — only the intention to connect, explain, and pass on wisdom. These documents aren’t stored in a vault; they’re meant to be shared and remembered.

In the end, a values-based will helps ensure that a client’s legacy is not just preserved, but understood. Because true legacy isn’t just what you leave behind — it’s what you leave within the people you love. And when clients know their story will be told in their own words, the planning process becomes more than practical. It becomes deeply personal.

Upcoming Legacy Webinar: Harness the Power of Family Travel

Travel can do more than create memories...it can shape who your children become. Join estate planning expert Stan Miller for a free webinar on how shared travel experiences build empathy, connection, and long-term family legacy.

Click Here to Register!

📝 Thursday, October 30 | 12PM - 1PM ET | Zoom

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

FutureMe.