Ethics: Our Pledge to YOU

We offer this working guide in standards of our business.  While there is no all-inclusive set of standards for our work, this list is meant to provide clients with an understanding of our business practices and conduct.   

We pledge to abide by the following code of conduct:

  • Act honestly, truthfully and with integrity in all transactions and dealings;

  • Avoid conflicts of interest;

  • Treat every individual with dignity and respect;

  • Honor confidentiality;

  • Deal fairly and with total transparency in money matters;

  • Comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law;

  • Be responsible, transparent, and accountable for all actions; and

  • Do not engage in nor condone acts by others that may constitute sexual harassment.

 
Confidentiality

  • We will protect information received in confidence from individuals, families, caregivers, and involved professionals;

  • We will share information only with written permission;

  • We will take all necessary precautions to safeguard electronic (including social media), written, and spoken communications with anyone involved, including extended family and professional colleagues;

  • We will continue to protect the privacy of individuals and involved parties after death occurs;

  • We will obtain written consent to disclose details of cases for the purpose of educating others and take care to disguise names and details; and

  • We are careful when sharing confidences with colleagues, respecting the privacy of all involved. 

 
Conflict of interest

  • We do not accept gifts, split fees, receive commissions, or any other financial benefit from suppliers, organizations or businesses that in any way set up a reciprocal expectation;

  • We do not show favor to clients for personal benefit;

  • We will be aware of conflicts that may arise between a role as consultant, the families they serve, and other professionals; and

  • We will avoid conflicts of interest that interfere with discretion and impartial judgment. If a real or potential conflict of interest arises, we will take reasonable steps to resolve the issue in a manner that reflects the best interests of the person(s) served.

 
Completion of duties

  • We have a duty to complete services as contracted according to the terms of the agreement; and

  • If we are unable to conclude the contract, we will give ample advanced notice, help the family find a replacement, and refund any fees for services that were incomplete.

 
Communication

  • We will accurately describe training, expertise, and credentials when representing to the media or other outside entity; and

  • We will maintain high standards of scholarship and objectivity when presenting information regarding end-of-life, estate planning, and Death Aftercare policies and practices.

 
Duty of care

  • We keep the highest standards of practice and conduct at the forefront of all service to others;

  • We treat all clients, family members, and loved ones with the same level of dignity and respect; and

  • We take great care when communicating with other professionals.

 
Education

  • We provide accurate and timely information to the public, including individuals, families, communities, support networks, and other professionals, as needed;

  • We accurately represent our level of training and credentials, and attempt to provide educational material that is unbiased; and

  • We make every effort to participate in continuing education to stay informed and active in the End of Life Doula community and the Estate Planning community.

 
Equality and Discrimination

  • We will exercise fair and objective judgment when providing quality services to all, regardless of age, color, race, gender, sexual orientation, lifestyle, religion, national origin, marital status, political belief, or mental or physical disability.

 
Fees for Service

  • We charge for estate planning services and Death AfterCare estate services and must conform to all regulations regarding the practice of estate planning and Death AfterCare;

  • We provide complete detailed cost information in writing prior to beginning service;

  • We do not solicit funds from clients separate from the contract for services; once the agreed-upon financial transaction is concluded, the client is under no further financial commitment, obligation, or responsibility to us; and

  • We neither offer, seek, nor accept payment of any kind for referral services.