A spiritual will is a personal expression of the values, wisdom, beliefs, love and hopes someone wishes to pass on to loved ones.
Unlike a legal will, it does not distribute possessions. It communicates what mattered most in a person's life and what they hope future generations will carry forward.
A spiritual will can be religious or entirely secular. Some people include prayers and blessings; others write about kindness, curiosity, humor or the family recipe they hope never disappears. If you'd like to focus on feelings and life lessons, you can also read about the emotional will.
What can a spiritual will include?
- ✦Love and gratitude
- ✦Values and guiding principles
- ✦Life lessons
- ✦Hopes for children and grandchildren
- ✦Meaningful family traditions
- ✦Personal stories
- ✦Messages for future milestones
- ✦Wishes for acts of kindness and generosity
Spiritual will vs. legal will
Spiritual will
- Shares values, love and wisdom
- Written in your own voice
- No legal force
- Can be shared at any time
Legal will
- Distributes property and assets
- Follows legal requirements
- Legally binding when valid
- Usually takes effect after death
EverTogether is not a legal service and is not a substitute for a legally valid will. For legal matters, please consult a qualified professional.
How to create your spiritual will
- 1Reflect on what matters most. Think about the moments, people and beliefs that shaped you. Our life reflection questions can help.
- 2Identify what you want to pass on. Choose the values, lessons and blessings you hope will continue.
- 3Choose meaningful messages and traditions. Add words for future moments and simple rituals your family can keep.
- 4Create and preserve your legacy. Write it down, save a copy and share it when the time feels right.
An example of a spiritual will
Illustrative example, written for inspiration
To my children, Ella and Tom, and to whoever joins our family after them,
This isn't about the house or the car. Those are in another envelope. This is about what I hope you keep.
I hope you keep the Friday dinners, even when they're inconvenient. Especially then. Some of my happiest hours were spent around that scratched kitchen table, arguing about nothing and laughing about everything.
I hope you keep your word. Your grandfather taught me that a promise is a small thing that holds up big things, and he was right.
I hope you are gentle with each other. You will disagree; families do. When it happens, sit down, eat something, and remember you are on the same side.
Plant something every spring. Call each other on birthdays, not just text. Give a little away every year, quietly.
And know this: being your parent was the greatest joy of my life. Nothing I did mattered more.
With all my love, always, Dad
Frequently asked questions
Is a spiritual will legally binding?+
No. A spiritual will is a personal, emotional document. It does not distribute property or replace a legal will. For legal matters, speak with a qualified lawyer in your country.
Can I create a spiritual will at any age?+
Yes. Many people write one when a child is born, at a milestone birthday, or simply when they feel ready. You can update it whenever your life changes.
Is a spiritual will religious?+
It can be, but it doesn't have to be. Some people include faith and blessings; others write an entirely secular letter about values, love and life lessons.
What is the difference between a spiritual will and an ethical will?+
The terms are often used interchangeably. “Ethical will” tends to emphasize values and moral guidance, while “spiritual will” is often used more broadly to include love, blessings, traditions and personal hopes.
How long should a spiritual will be?+
There is no required length. A single heartfelt page can be more powerful than many. What matters is that it sounds like you.