Why do you need a will?

A last will and testament is a legal document that specifies how you would like your assets to be distributed at your death.  If you do not have a will, state laws of intestacy determine distribution of your assets. For example, in the District of Columbia, if a person is married without children when they pass away, the laws of intestate succession provide that the decedent’s parents are entitled to a significant share of the estate.  The surviving spouse would also receive a share of the assets, but it may be far less than the decedent and their spouse would have wanted.  

A will also identifies the person who manages your estate (your executor) when you pass. If you have children, you name their guardian in your will as well.  If you do not have a will, these appointments can create unwanted controversy in your family.  A will insures you have control over these critical elements of your estate.