Ethical Wills: Putting Your Values on Paper, 2nd Edition
As evidenced in the Terri Schiavo case that made national headlines, having a living will is an essential element in ensuring that the way in which you would like to spend your last days will be respected. It informs both family and doctors of your medical treatment preferences in specific situations. An ethical will is a complementary text that communicates personal values, beliefs, blessings, and advice to relatives and to future generations. It can be more meaningful to friends and family...
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A step-by-step guide to writing the two documents that will make clear your cherished wishes
ForewordixIntroduction to the Second Editionxiii1An Overview of Ethical Wills12An Ancient Custom Moves Forward7A Personal Experience7What Are Ethical Wills and Where Did They Come From?10What's in an Ethical Will?163Why and When to Write an Ethical Will19Discovering Your Reasons19Life Transitions and Life-Changing Events21When Events Change Your Life274How to Write an Ethical Will31Three Approaches for Writing Your Ethical Will31Approach #1Starting with an Outline and a List of Items to Choose From34Approach #2Starting with an Outline and Specific Writing Exercises43Values and Beliefs45Approach #3Starting with a Blank Sheet of Paper535Preparing, Caring for, and Sharing Your Ethical Will57Preparing and Preserving Your Ethical Will57Sharing Your Ethical Will59Reviewing and Renewing Your Ethical Will616Living Wills65What Is a Living Will?68Why Write a Living Will? (and What Can Happen If You Don't)69What to Include in Your Living Will71Common Misunderstandings about Living Wills82When to Write a Living Will85How to Write Your Living Will and Make It a Legal Document85With Whom to Share Your Living Will88Reviewing and Updating Your Living Will89The Relationship between Living Wills and Ethical Wills91Appendix IVoices of the Heart: Modern Ethical Wills93Appendix IIEthical Will Resources169Appendix IIILiving Will Resources173Appendix IVExamples of Living Wills175Appendix VSample Healthcare Directive Forms191Notes209Acknowledgments215
