What is a Will?
A Will is the most basic and essential tool in estate planning. Upon your death, a properly prepared Will can ensure that your property passes to whom you want, in the amounts you want, and in the manner you want. A Will also allows you to set forth your desires regarding the care of your children and other loved ones after your pass away.

Even if you have a small estate, a Will is important if you wish to have any control over the administration and distribution of your estate. If you die without a Will, you die "intestate" and the distribution of your estate is determined by the laws of "intestate succession." These rules establish a hierarchy of family relationships in which property passes to your "next of kin" as defined by the law of the state where you reside at the time of your death.

A Will permits you to define who will receive your property without relying upon the intestate succession rules. A Will also permits you to establish a trust for the benefit of your children or other loved ones if you do not want them to receive your property directly upon your death. A Will also allows you to designate the person who will be in charge of the administration of your estate when you pass away. If you have a Will, this person or entity is called an "Executor." You can designate a primary Executor as well as an alternate Executor if the primary Executor cannot serve.