|
|
Article: A fresh definition of inheritance comes into vogue; Ethical wills date back at least to the 1970s, but there are ancient precedents for elders handing down advice and blessings to younger generations.(FEATURES)(COMPASS)
- Article from:
- The Christian Science Monitor
- Article date:
- July 7, 2004
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 The Christian Science Publishing Society. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Byline: Stacy A. Teicher Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor
Legally, Breck Arnzen and Lani Peterson-Arnzen had covered all the bases when they wrote their will - everything from guardianship to inheritance for their four children.
But two years ago they realized something was missing when a friend told them about the concept of an ethical will - a love letter, many would say - in which people pass down the experiences and values that have infused their lives with meaning.
Within a few months, the couple had created a 20-page "living legacy," as Ms. Peterson-Arnzen calls it. They plan to update it every five years or so, but its value ...