What is a Will?

A will is a written declaration by an individual (testator, if male / testatrix, if female & referred to hereafter simply as testator) of his or her intentions for the disposition of assets after death, if the will was prepared and executed in accordance with legally required formalities, and the testator was competent and not under duress, the probate court will generally order that the executor carry out the testator’s plan.

A will usually does not necessarily direct the disposition of all of a person's property, The most common examples of property that does not pass by will are jointly held property and life insurance payable to a named beneficiary. While a will is an essential part of most any estate plan it should be viewed as only one part of the total picture.

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