Legacy Videos: What Are They and Are They For You?

Legacy Videos: A popular new trend in some circles for those who are thinking about their end-of-life plans and wishes, is to record their choices, their wishes, their concerns, and their messages, not just in writing but on video for their loved ones, after their death.  What are Legacy Videos (LV)?  Your story brought to life – (personal history, instructions, important messages, whatever you wish to communicate) – and imparted to your loved ones.

I usually try to include some sort of website link for more information, but I came up empty handed on this one (not wanting to become some video company’s free advertisement). Therefore, if you want to know more, or if you’d like to see examples, I would suggest searching the web on your own – you’ll see plenty of professionally made and self-made legacy video examples, and more than a few businesses who offer the services.  You can decide for yourself if this is for you.

I’d like to outline some things to think about if you’re considering your own LV – (from the perspective of an attorney who assists individuals and families in considering their estate plans and their end-of-life choices):

–  Professional services are not cheap, but can be exceptionally high-quality and may include helpful creative advice and quality editing. On the other hand, “do-it-yourself” videos can also be quite meaningful and genuine – but, you’re on your own, of course.

–  As much as we mean to “say it all” before we leave this earth, most of us do a terrible job of communicating to our loved ones what is most important to us. What is important is different for everyone – but, what is painfully common is the inability to express it to the people who mean the most to us, and doing so before we lose our chance to do so.

–  On the other hand, be sure to think through WHAT you will address on the video. Some family members feel “ambushed” by this type of communication. If you’re attempting to communicate “long-kept secrets” or “what you really think” without having thought through the consequences of addressing those subjects after you’re no longer around to discuss it further, be sure you understand how that may make your loved ones feel.

–  A LV is more than a “Will reading,” although it can be an opportunity to explain and confirm your wishes, and it can settle the meaning of your gifts among friends and family members who may have difficulty with your choices.

–  There is no substitute for legally documenting your wishes in writing and a LV will not stand for anything other than evidence of your wishes (in other words, it cannot be substitute for a Will), nor is there a genuine substitute for your candid and clear communication during your lifetime.  But, some things are difficult to discuss, and other things are hard to find an opportunity to discuss with everyone’s attention and interest – often sparked by the circumstances of your departure.

As mentioned earlier, making a LV is not for everyone. But, this may interest you and, if it does, I encourage you to think through your options carefully.

ALL READERS:  This blog is not, nor shall it be deemed to be, legal advice or counsel. This blog does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader.  It is designed to encourage thoughtful consideration of important legal issues with the expectation that readers will seek professional advice from a licensed attorney.