Your personal reasons will depend on your individual situation, but some common reasons to have a will are:
- Decide how your assets will be distributed - equal amounts to all your kids, donated to charity, etc
- Avoid lengthy probate process for your heirs. Probate is the mandatory court process for dealing with a deceased person's estate. Having a will makes the court hearings easier and faster.
- If you have kids who are still minors, you can specify who should take care of them
- Disinherit people who would otherwise have a claim. If you have an ex-spouse or estranged children they may have a claim to your estate unless you specifically disinherit them
- Avoid legal challenges and problems.