One of the most important documents that every adult should have is a written will. This legal document specifies how you want your property to be distributed after your death. If you die intestate— without a will—your legal state of residence steps in and controls the distribution of your estate without regard for any wishes you may have had. In most states, you must:

Be18 years of age or older, 

Be of sound judgment and mental capacity, 

Sign your will in the presence of at least two witnesses.

Action items:

1. Gather more information about making a will. You may want to visit legalzoom.com, nolo.com, aarp.org, or legalinfo.org.

2. Using this information, prepare a report on the following: 

(a) Who needs a will? 

(b) What are the elements of a will (naming a guardian, naming an executor, preparing a will, updating a will, estate taxes, where to keep your will, living will, etc.)? 

(c) How is this web page helpful in preparing your own will?