For many people, passing along knowledge of their religious beliefs and values to the next generation is just as important as passing along financial wealth and tangible assets. Estate planning creates many opportunities to do this, including:
End-of-Life Care. A health care power of attorney lets you name someone to make medical decisions for you in the event you cannot make them yourself. This should be someone who shares your faith and values about end-of-life issues or someone who will honor your wishes. In either case, it is imperative that you provide an "Advance Care Directive" (Living Will) which states in writing your beliefs about about things like organ donation, pain medication (some may want to remain conscious at the end of life), hospice arrangements, even avoiding care in a specific facility. A visit by a priest, rabbi or other member of clergy may be desired.
Funeral and Burial Arrangements. Colorado Authorizes a "Declaration of Last Wishes" and your faith or spiritual beliefs can influence views on burial, cremation, autopsy, even embalming. Faith may also influence certain details in a funeral or memorial service. Some people pre-plan their services and include a list of people to notify (which can be helpful for a grieving family). Some even pre-pay for the funeral and burial plots to prevent their loved ones from overspending out of grief and/or guilt.
Charitable Giving. Giving to others who are less fortunate is common among people of all faiths. Making final distributions to a church or synagogue, university, hospital and other favorite causes will convey the value of charitable giving to family members.
Distributions to Children and Grandchildren. Taking the time to plan how assets are left to family members lets them know how much they are loved, and is another way to convey faith values. For example, providing for the religious education of children and/or grandchildren speaks volumes. Parents of young children can select someone who shares their religious views to manage the inheritance. A letter of instruction to the guardian can include views on the care and upbringing of young children, which are often influenced by faith.
Transferring faith and values to family members is best done over time, by letting them see your faith at work in your life, taking them to religious services, and letting them see you being charitable. But it's never too late. Talk to your family while you can. Explain what your faith means to you and how it has helped you through difficult moments in your life. You can also write personal letters or make a video that they can keep and review long after you are gone.