What is a Will?

A Will is a written document that is properly signed and witnessed.  It identifies (a) how, and to whom, a decedent’s solely-owned property and assets are to be distributed after a person dies, (b) the Executor who will be responsible, with the assistance of the Probate Court, for administering the decedent’s Probate estate, and (c) who will act as Guardian(s) for any minor children of the decedent. 

In almost all cases, relying upon a Will to dispose of your solely-owned property and assets means that you are requesting that a Probate proceeding be opened after your death.

Note: Please see our Glossary for a more detailed description of how a Will works.