The primary purpose for having a last will and testament is to specify the persons, called “beneficiaries”, who will receive your property after your death. Often the beneficiaries are family members and friends. They can also be charitable organizations or trusts.

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Your last will does not control the distribution of your life insurance, retirement plans, and trusts—basically, the types of assets that are paid in accordance with beneficiary designation forms, unless your designations of the life insurance proceeds are specifically designed to cause the proceeds to flow through your last will.

If you don’t have a will, state law controls who will receive your property. Generally, this means that your property will go to your heirs and spouse (if you have one). Depending on your circumstances, state law would probably require that your property be distributed to the following people:
  • Your spouse
  • Your children
  • Your relatives (parents, siblings, grandparents)


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Get Started Start your Last Will & Testament Answer a few questions. We'll take care of the rest.

Get Started Start your Last Will & Testament Answer a few questions. We'll take care of the rest.