What is the difference between a living will, an ethical will and digital wishes?
A living will, or advance directive, sets out which medical treatment you want or refuse if one day you cannot decide. Digital wishes say what should happen to your accounts, emails and files; in Catalonia they are covered by Law 10/2017. An ethical will is the letter in which you tell your family what you want them to know. We help with the last two and tell you where to go for the first.
What is a charitable will?
Leaving part of what you own to an organisation: a percentage, an asset or an amount. It takes nothing from your heirs’ reserved share. It goes in your will, before a notary; we help you choose the organisation and explain it to your family.
Is an ethical will legally binding?
No. It does not replace a notarised will: it completes it. It says what a will does not: why you decided what you decided, and what you want your family to remember.
Is this legally binding?
No, and it doesn't need to be. The letter of values is a private document. What has legal effect is the will you sign before a notary, and you should make that anyway. What we give you is what that document doesn't cover.
Do I need a large estate?
No. The part families are most grateful for isn't the estate, it's knowing where everything is and why you decided what you decided. That's just as true with one flat as with fifteen.
Can my children contest it?
Our document can't be contested because it doesn't divide anything. You still sign the will before a notary, with the same freedom and limits as always. In fact, writing down the reasons usually prevents arguments rather than causing them.
Can we do it for an elderly relative?
Yes, as long as the person agrees and is able to decide for themselves. We work with them, not with whoever calls us. If we see there's no capacity, or pressure from someone, we stop.
How long does it take?
Between six and ten weeks from the first session, depending on the size of the inventory and the pace you want to keep.
What if I want full memoirs?
Then what you're looking for is The legacy, which is a book rather than a document of wishes. Many people end up doing both, and the conversations are shared so you don't have to repeat yourself.