The Last Will and Testament is a means for handling your probate assets after your death. Probate assets can include your home, vehicles, cash, bank accounts, business interests, and all of your personal property. Life Insurance policies are not considered probate assets.

If you don’t decide how you want your property distributed upon your death the state handles it for you. However, the cost to probate an estate without a will is greatly increased. Your Last Will and Testament can also name a Guardian for your minor children.

Common terminology used in drafting and executing a last will and testament include:

Decedent — a deceased person

Testator/Testatrix — Male/Female person making a will

Beneficiary — a person named in a will who will receive estate property

Executor — the person named in a will who is charged with probating the will and finalizing your affairs

Estate — the property and debts of a decedent at the time of their death

Administration — the process of managing an estate after probating a will

Probate — the legal process validating a decedent's will and administration of the estate

Having a will is extremely important for your family after you pass. The heartache of losing a loved one is emotionally and physically taxing. Adding the stress of handling assets makes it an even more difficult roller coaster. Please don't make the same mistake that others have. A will is inexpensive and can keep your family together when you’re gone.