Having a legal, written Will is the only way to guarantee that people will receive the items you want them to.
Your wishes with regards to the distribution of your property and assets, and the care of any minor children may not be followed if you die without a legal will. Those left behind may make those decisions for you, or there may be a government agency appointed to decide what happens to your estate. Your family, or those you would have wanted to give property to may face additional time, costs and emotional torment trying to settle your affairs once you’ve gone. Your loved ones you intended to provide for may be left without such financial support.
The future of estates of those who die without a Will are distributed according to the laws of intestacy. For example, most spousal couples choose to leave everything to their partner and then the last surviving partner will leave the assets to any children you and your partner have. However, if you die without a Will, your partner may not receive your entire estate. There may also be specific items, such as family heirlooms that you wish to preserve, which can be distributed against your intent.