Help CenterWho Needs a Will?
- Include persons who are not heirs. Wills are needed to provide for a person who is not an heir under state law, such as unmarried partners, stepchildren, friends, charities, and in-laws.
- Exclude an heir. Heirs are the persons who inherit an estate under state law in the absence of a will. A will is needed to prevent an heir from inheriting probate assets.
- Minors and disabled adults. Trust provisions can be included in a will to delay receipt of an inheritance or to allow assets to be used on behalf of an adult who is disabled.
- Estate tax planning. Married couples can include trust provisions to reduce estate tax.
Read more: Estate Planning Wills Probate and Transfer of Assets 2021