The most important reason to have a will is to avoid dying intestate. If you die intestate, your estate is subject to intestacy laws. These are state laws that prescribe how your property will pass to your heirs if you die without a valid Will. Creating your own will allows you to express how you want your remaining property to pass.

Advantages of a Will:
You choose who gets your remaining property
You designate an executor of your choice to carry out your intentions
You can design your will so that you actually reduce estate taxes
You can appoint a trustee and/or guardian to manage your assets for your children
You can change or cancel the will at any time you want