Virtually every state permits individuals to dispose of their property in almost any manner, unless the requests are contrary to public policy. To guard against mistakes, most states impose requirements regarding a rigid formal procedure involving signatures and witnesses.

A will has no legal force whatsoever while its maker, or grantor, is still alive. It becomes effective only upon the grantor's death. A will is a personal declaration of an individual's intentions regarding the disposition of property at death. A will allows your clients to:

• Control disposition of their property.
• Name a personal representative to carry out their wishes and following their instructions.
• Take advantage of estate tax savings.
• Designate a guardian for their minor children, or other legally incompetent dependents.
• Disinherit someone who would otherwise take property under the intestacy laws.
• Designate what should happen in case of common disaster.