Drafting a Legacy Letter

Legacy letters are not legal documents but an attorney may be able to provide you with examples or advice on how to get started and may keep a copy along with copies of your legal documents to maximize the chances that they will get to your loved ones when they are needed.  Writing these letters can be an emotional challenge but most parents have told me that they found the process very rewarding, and most individuals who have “inherited” such letters from their families have told me they were the thing they most valued receiving.

If you need help getting started try expanding on one of these sentences:

• I am writing this to you because...
• What I value most is…
• The person or event that made the impact on me as a person was…
• I am most proud of…
• I am most grateful for…
• If I had one decision to make differently in my life it would be to…
• The most important lesson I have learned in life is…
• The most meaningful tradition in my life is…
• I most want to be remembered for…
• The thing I will miss the most when I am gone is…
• My greatest hope for you is…

If you don’t feel comfortable writing a letter consider one of these other options:

•  Make a scrapbook of your life
• Create a video of the best moments with your recipient
•  Collect articles, mementos, and letters from the past
•  Create a family tree with stories about each person
•  Create a “how to” guide to a tradition important to you

At Phinney Estae Law we are committed to helping clients leave a legacy they can be proud of.  If you are interested in included a legacy letter with your estate plan can help you with examples from other clients, coaching, and more.  For more ideas, explore our website and blog or contact us for an appointment at info@phinneyestatelaw.com or (206) 459-1908.

---