-With a Will, you decide how your estate will be distributed and you may dispose of your property as you choose. Without a Will, your estate is distributed among your heirs according to state law.
-With a Will, you can direct that all of your estate pass to your surviving spouse. Without a valid Will, your estate will be shared between your surviving spouse and your children, including minor children.
-With a Will, you can nominate the person you want to be guardian of your minor children. Without a Will, the guardian will be picked by the court.
-With a Will, property can be distributed to trustees of your choosing to manage the property on behalf of your beneficiaries. Without a Will, property might be distributed outright to your beneficiaries or to a conservator chosen by the court, and minor children will receive their property upon reaching the age of 18.
-With a Will, you can direct that your property be available to your surviving spouse during his or her lifetime and then pass to your children (perhaps children from a previous marriage) upon the surviving spouse's death. Without a Will, the property that is distributed to your surviving spouse will be distributed upon his or her death as your surviving spouse decides.
-With a Will, your executor can be given full powers to sell your property and manage it without requesting permission from the court. Without a Will, your heirs must petition a court for the administrator to be granted these powers.
-With a Will, you can structure a plan to reduce federal estate taxes. Without a Will, your estate may owe more in taxes that it would have otherwise.
