A will appoints an executor to administer your estate after you pass away.  The executor pays all your bills and debts which were due prior to your death and expenses and taxes (if any) arising as a result of your death.  Thereafter, the executor distributes the remaining probate assets in accordance with the terms of the will.  The will governs the disposition of your assets at the time of your death.  Assets include those thing you own in your individual name or as a tenant in common with a co-owner.  They do not include jointly owned assets or for which there is a beneficiary designation.  Upon your death your personal property and things such as cash, investments and real estate after the payment of claims, expenses and taxes, pass to the named beneficiaries in your will.  If you are interested in a simple will or other estate documents such as living wills and powers of attorney, please feel free to call Mark O. Grater at 860-449-8059,  located in Groton, CT.