What is an important characteristic of a will?

The characteristic that a will dictates how an estate should be distributed is fundamental to its purpose. A will serves as a legal document through which an individual, referred to as the testator, outlines their wishes regarding the management and distribution of their assets after their death. This includes detailing who will inherit specific assets, appointing guardians for dependents, and even specifying funeral arrangements. The clarity that a will provides helps to minimize disputes among heirs and ensures that the testator's intentions are honored.

The requirement for legal formalities, like witnesses or the method of creation (whether written or verbal), does not negate the primary function of a will in estate planning. While there are verbal wills (which are typically less reliable and less enforceable), and some jurisdictions have laws about witness requirements, these aspects support the will's purpose rather than alter it. The role of a will does not extend to replacing legal contracts in property transactions, which are governed by different legal principles. Therefore, the essence of a will is centered entirely on how it directs the distribution of an estate after death.