A will is a document that directs where your assets go when you die.

If you die without a will, your assets are distributed in accordance with state law. Massachussets and Connecticut both have default rules for where your assets go if you don’t have a will. These are called “intestate” laws. Here’s the pronounciation.

Here are Connecticuts intestate laws and here are the intestate laws for Massachussetts. Also as a spouse you can get a statutory share as well. To learn more about dying without a will, click here.

A will avoids unecessary litigation in probate. It defines who your executor will be, or who will carry out your will and probate your estate. It can also define executor fees.

A will also allows you to denote who you want to inherit what. Instead of following default statutory rules you’ll be able to specifically give certain assets to certain people.

You can also create a living trust, or a trust for your pets and children.

Beyond that you can also get a living will which will direct how you want to be treated if you’re ever incapacitated.

Ultimately a will is good because it makes the probate process easier. I.e. nobody is contesting who the executor is because the executor is listed in the will. And, it makes distributing assets smoother.

A trust avoids probate, but there are other ways to avoid probate that you can read here. Additionally, a trust loses the benefit of being reviewed by a probate judge familiar with inheritance law. Trusts are litigated through superior court which can be extremely expensive compared to probate.

If theres any funny business in your estate, or if your heirs start fighting over your inheritance, it’s better to keep those disagreements in probate court rather than remove them to superior court which is what happens with a trust.