August is recognized as National Make a Will Month, offering a valuable opportunity to revisit an essential piece of your estate planning. Many people are familiar with the idea of a will, but fewer truly understand what it accomplishes, who benefits from having one, and how it connects with the rest of an estate plan. When those details are unclear, it’s common for people to postpone the process or rely on assumptions that may not match Michigan law or their actual intentions.

A will is far more than a simple form. It is a clear statement of your wishes. Without one, decisions about your property, your estate, and even the care of your minor children default to Michigan’s statutory rules. Those laws may not reflect the personal choices you would have made. Understanding how wills work—and how they fit into a broader plan—can save your loved ones from confusion and unexpected outcomes.

Why Having a Will Matters

A will provides structure and direction. It spells out how specific assets should be distributed, identifies who will settle your estate, and outlines who should care for your minor children if needed. These decisions are deeply personal, and documenting them helps ensure they are honored.

If you pass away without a will, Michigan’s intestacy laws take over. While these rules are designed to cover general situations, they do not consider the unique relationships, blended families, or personal goals that many people have today. A will helps ensure that your instructions—not a one-size-fits-all statute—guide the process.

By creating a will, you reduce uncertainty and give your family clearer direction during a time that can already be difficult. This clarity often helps minimize delays, disagreements, or unexpected complications.

How a Will Fits Into a Complete Estate Plan

A will is a fundamental part of an estate plan, but it is just one element. A comprehensive plan uses several documents to address different needs and scenarios.

Beneficiary designations—such as those on retirement accounts and life insurance policies—control who receives those assets directly. A will cannot change those selections. In addition, documents like a financial power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, and advance directive (sometimes called a patient advocate designation in Michigan) help manage personal and financial decisions if you become unable to act on your own.

The goal is coordination. Each part of your estate plan should work together to ensure there are no conflicts. A will plays an important role, but it is most effective when supported by other properly prepared documents.

What a Will Can Do

Think of a will as a set of instructions that take effect after your death. It helps organize how your estate should be handled and communicates your preferences clearly.

In most situations, a will accomplishes three main goals:

• It explains how certain assets should be divided among the individuals or organizations you choose.
• It allows you to name a guardian to care for your minor children if something happens to you.
• It appoints an executor (called a personal representative in Michigan) who is responsible for carrying out your instructions.

These elements matter even more when family dynamics or asset distributions are not straightforward. A will gives you the ability to outline specific arrangements and avoid confusion.

When your wishes are clearly described, it becomes easier for loved ones to follow your plan and avoid disagreements during probate or estate administration.

What a Will Does Not Do

Although a will is an important tool, it has limits, and understanding those limits helps set realistic expectations.

One frequent misunderstanding is that a will helps avoid probate. In reality, a will must go through the Michigan probate process. Probate validates the will, appoints the personal representative, and supervises the distribution of property. The will provides instructions, but probate is the legal process used to carry them out.

There are also assets a will does not govern. Items with beneficiary designations—like life insurance, retirement accounts, or payable-on-death accounts—transfer directly to the named beneficiary. Jointly owned property may also pass automatically to the surviving owner.

A will only becomes effective after death. It cannot address situations where you are living but unable to make decisions, which is why having powers of attorney and advance directives is so important.

Finally, a will does not erase any outstanding debts or guarantee a quick estate settlement. Creditors must be addressed before distributions can be made, and the timeline varies depending on the size and complexity of the estate.

Common Questions About Wills

People often share similar concerns about whether they need a will and how it works in everyday circumstances.

Do I need a will if I’m married?
Yes. Although spouses have certain legal rights under Michigan law, those defaults may not match your wishes. A will lets you specify how property should be handled and who should serve as your personal representative—particularly important when children or blended families are involved.

Do I need a will if I don’t have significant wealth?
Absolutely. A will is not just for large estates. It ensures that what you do own is distributed properly and that guardianship decisions are clearly outlined.

Can a will change beneficiary designations?
No. Beneficiary designations control those assets. It’s important to review those designations regularly to ensure they align with your estate planning goals.

Is a will by itself enough?
In many cases, no. A will is a great starting point, but it doesn’t address every issue. Most people benefit from additional documents such as a revocable living trust, financial and healthcare powers of attorney, and other tools depending on their situation.

When You Should Review or Update Your Will

A will is not a one-and-done task. As your life evolves, your estate plan should evolve with it.

Major life changes often signal the need for an update—events such as marriage, divorce, the arrival of a child, or a significant shift in your financial situation. Buying or selling a home or other real estate can also affect how your estate is structured.

Even without major changes, reviewing your will periodically ensures it still reflects your current goals. An outdated will can create complications just as easily as not having one at all.

Building an Estate Plan That Supports Your Goals

A will brings clarity, direction, and peace of mind, making it a key part of responsible estate planning. It helps ensure your wishes are respected and gives loved ones much-needed guidance.

At the same time, a will alone can’t cover everything. It doesn’t avoid probate, it doesn’t control every asset, and it doesn’t help during periods of incapacity. That’s why building a coordinated, well-rounded estate plan is so valuable.

If you haven’t reviewed your will recently—or if you aren’t sure how it fits into your broader estate plan—now is an ideal time to take a closer look. I help individuals and families throughout Genesee County and the surrounding areas understand their options, identify potential gaps, and create plans that reflect their priorities with confidence and clarity.