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A will (also called a “last will and testament”) is a legal document that sets out how your assets should be distributed after your death. Through a will, you can identify who should receive your property, name an executor to manage the administration of your estate, and provide other guidance regarding personal and financial matters.

A will may address real estate, bank accounts, personal belongings, and other assets. It can also include important instructions that go beyond financial distribution, such as naming a guardian for your minor children or outlining specific wishes related to family heirlooms or charitable gifts.

A will serves as a foundational component of most estate plans, providing clear direction and helping loved ones understand your intentions. While a will does not eliminate legal processes such as probate, it can significantly reduce confusion and delays during the probate process.

A comprehensively prepared will allows you to:

• Direct how and to whom your assets are distributed
• Name an executor to manage estate administration
• Provide guidance that reduces disputes among beneficiaries
• Ensure your personal wishes are clearly documented

In some situations, your will may work in conjunction with trusts or other planning tools to support your long-term goals and family needs.

A will allows you to appoint an executor – sometimes referred to as a personal representative – who is responsible for following the directions written into your will. This individual oversees the administration of your estate, including identifying assets, paying outstanding debts and expenses, and distributing property according to your instructions.

Choosing the right executor is an important decision. The role carries fiduciary responsibilities and requires organization, attention to detail, and the ability to act impartially in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries.

For parents of minor children, a will is especially important. It allows you to designate a guardian and express your preferences regarding your children’s care if you and the child’s other parent are no longer able to do so. Without this designation, a court may be required to make these decisions, which may not align with your wishes.

Families with minor children, blended families, dependents with special needs, or complex financial situations often benefit from additional planning strategies alongside a will. These approaches can help ensure assets are managed responsibly, and children or dependents are supported according to your intentions.

When someone dies without a will – commonly referred to as dying intestate – state law determines how the estate is distributed. These default rules may not reflect personal relationships, family dynamics, or long-term goals.

Without a will:

• You lose control over who inherits your assets
• Estate administration becomes more difficult and costly for those left behind
• Loved ones will be left to manage difficult decisions or disputes during an already emotional time
• Courts will be required to decide guardianship matters for your minor children

Creating a will allows you to provide clear direction and reduce uncertainty for those you leave behind.

In some circumstances, a will may be challenged by individuals who have a legal interest in the estate. While rules for contesting a will vary by jurisdiction, will contests often involve claims of:

• Undue influence by another person
• Lack of mental capacity at the time the will was written or signed
• Fraud or misrepresentation
• Failure to meet the required legal formalities

Disputes often arise during an already emotional time and can significantly delay the administration of an estate. A contested will can strain family relationships and undermine the clarity that the planning process was intended to provide.

While no plan can guarantee that a will will never be challenged, certain steps can help strengthen its validity and reduce the likelihood of disputes.

• Work with an experienced estate planning attorney – Clear drafting and proper execution help ensure your will reflects your intentions and complies with applicable requirements.
• Choose appropriate witnesses – Selecting witnesses who do not stand to benefit from the will can reduce allegations of undue influence or misconduct.
• Document capacity – If capacity may later be questioned, additional documentation at the time the will is signed can help reinforce its validity.
• Clearly explain intentions – Providing context, especially when distributions are unequal, can reduce misunderstandings and resentment among family members. If you intend to leave someone out of your will or give them a reduced share, a letter of intent can clearly state your reasoning. You can keep this letter with your will.
• Consider a no-contest clause – Where legally permitted, a no-contest clause may discourage frivolous challenges by imposing consequences for unsuccessful contests.

DIY forms, or online templates and will preparation platforms, may seem convenient, but they often rely on standardized language that fails to account for individual circumstances. These one-size-fits-all documents can overlook important details or create unintended ambiguity.

In some cases, improperly completed templates may fail to meet the legal requirements or create inconsistencies that create confusion or disputes later. Without professional guidance, individuals may not realize gaps or errors exist until it is too late, placing unnecessary stress on loved ones and increasing the likelihood of challenges during estate administration.