A Last Will & Testament  can be used to nominate a guardian for minors; appoint an executor to handle your final affairs; and direct final disposition of your assets.

Most people know what a Will is, but many are confused about what it actually does. A Will tells the court how to distribute that part of your property that is “subject to probate.” Not all of a deceased person’s property is “subject to probate.” Assets passing by joint ownership, or by beneficiary designation (such as life insurance or trusts) to someone other than your “decedent’s estate,” are not “subject to probate.” This means that the passing of those assets is unaffected by the terms of your Will.