Benjamin Franklin put it best: "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes."  Though death is usually less painful than taxes, it is an unavoidable part of life.  Wills exist to hopefully alleviate the struggle your loved ones may face in your absence; or to prevent them from getting anything if you never liked them anyway.  Anecdotes aside, it is your responsibility to maintain your personal assets, and protect them for whatever happens in the uncertain future.  An estimated 70% of Americans don't have a vaid will.  Confronting your own mortality is difficult, but it is a mistake to think of a will in terms of death.  A will should be viewed as what you are contributing to life. 

Wills vary from simple one-page documents to elaborate volumes.  The will is entirely dependant on the size of the estate and the preference of the testator (the person making the will).  Wills describe the estate, those who will recieve specific property (called the "devisees"), and can even include special instructions regarding minor children, gifts to charities, and the formation of trust.