Estate Planning
Explained

Yes — a Will is about far more than money. It's how you name a guardian for your kids, record your healthcare wishes, handle digital accounts, and spare your family painful disputes. Even with few assets, dying without one means a court decides these things for you.

If you die without a Will (known as dying "intestate"), your state's laws decide who inherits your assets — usually in a fixed order that may not reflect your wishes. A court also decides who raises any minor children. A Will lets you make those choices yourself instead of leaving them to a judge.

A Will directs who receives your assets after you pass and names guardians for your children. A Trust can do that too, but it also helps your family avoid probate, keeps your affairs private, and can take effect during your lifetime. Many families start with a Will; a Trust often makes sense for larger estates, property in more than one state, or added privacy.

A lawyer-drafted Will typically runs $300–$1,500 or more. Online tools like FastWill create a valid, state-specific Will for a fraction of that — usually in about 15 minutes, with no appointment needed.

Probate is the court process that validates a Will and distributes an estate. It can take months and becomes part of the public record. Common, legitimate ways to avoid it include setting up a living Trust, naming beneficiaries on accounts, and holding property in joint ownership.

Your executor carries out your wishes — paying any debts and distributing your assets. Choose someone organized, trustworthy, and willing to take it on; it is often a spouse, an adult child, or a close friend. You can (and should) also name a backup in case your first choice cannot serve.