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A will is a legal document or declaration of a person’s wishes as to the disposition of his or her property, to be performed and to take effect after his or her death. It is not a sheet of paper nor a number of sheets of paper but the written words thereon. It must be executed with the formalities required by statute only after the death of the maker.

Anyone who is of legal age and sound mind can make a valid will. You must be able to understand the nature of your estate and the consequences of making a will. You must be able to arrange an orderly scheme of distribution of your assets, and you must be acting voluntarily.

Yes. If you die without a will, then you are said to have died “intestate”. This means you died without leaving any instructions regarding disposal of your property.

If you died intestate, the state or court will appoint an executor for your estate. The executor will pay any just debts you may have outstanding and then distribute the remaining assets.