Do you think that if you die without a will, the laws of your state will distribute your property for you? And did you know that if the state runs out of those it has declared to be your heirs, the state itself may be the ultimate beneficiary? You can avoid it having written a will.
Those people who die without a will just lose the ability to control the passing of their property to their heirs. A will provides for the disposition of property not otherwise so provided. But it may stand alone or as part of an integrated estate plan. The execution of a will is a necessity in any estate plan.
A simple will can:
1. direct the disposition of property according to your desires; 
2. establish a trust to provide for minor beneficiaries long after your death;
3. nominate guardians for minor children;
4. provide for the "pour over" of assets into a previously established trust which were not already transferred
to the trust.
Your will is effectual only upon your death. It can be revised or voided during your lifetime. Of course, your will should be reviewed both periodically and at the happening of certain events, such as upon:
• changes in family circumstances, i.e., births, deaths, marriages or divorces;
• your move from one state to another;
• changes in federal or state tax laws; or
• significant changes in assets or property values.
The maker can not be provided with any income or estate tax benefits with a will. When your estate is valued above the estate tax exemption amount, or when state estate taxes may impact your estate, more sophisticated estate planning will be necessary.
Nonetheless, creating your will may be the first step toward an integrated estate plan.
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