Seven out of ten adults in the United States do not have a will in place. That statistic raises an important question many people still ask: who needs a will?
The simple answer is that every adult should have one. A will is not only for wealthy individuals or older adults—it is a foundational legal document that ensures your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.
While a will is an essential foundation, comprehensive estate planning is most effectively accomplished through a trust-based plan. Clients often ask whether they need a will or a trust, but the correct answer is both—each serves a distinct and complementary role. In practice, however, a well-designed plan is structured so that the will is rarely, if ever, used, since wills function through probate, which thoughtful planning seeks to avoid altogether.
Whether you are just beginning your career, raising children, or planning for retirement, a will provides clarity, direction, and peace of mind.
Who Needs a Will?
When people ask who needs a will, the answer is straightforward: anyone who wants control over what happens to their assets, their family, and their final wishes. A will allows you to clearly outline how your property should be distributed and who should manage your affairs after your passing.
Without a will, these decisions are made according to Missouri state law, which may not reflect your personal wishes or family circumstances.
A properly prepared will allows you to:
- Direct how your assets will be distributed
- Name an executor to manage your estate
- Appoint guardians for minor children
- Reduce confusion and potential family disputes
- Simplify the probate process for your loved ones
Rather than leaving important decisions to the court, a will allows you to remain in control.
Why Many People Delay Creating a Will
Even though the benefits are clear, many people still postpone estate planning. Some assume they are too young, while others believe they do not have enough assets to justify the effort.
Common reasons people delay include:
- Thinking estate planning is only for the wealthy
- Believing they are too young to need one
- Assuming they do not own enough assets yet
- Feeling overwhelmed by the legal process
- Planning to “get to it later”
Unfortunately, waiting can create unnecessary complications for loved ones if the unexpected occurs.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will
When someone dies without a will, they are considered to have died intestate. In that situation, Missouri law determines how the estate is distributed.
While these laws follow a set structure, they do not account for personal relationships, family dynamics, or specific wishes.
Without a will:
- The court decides how assets are distributed
- Unmarried partners may receive nothing
- Close friends or charities cannot be included
- Family members may disagree about decisions
- The legal process can take longer and become more complicated
Creating a will allows you to prevent these situations and provide clear guidance for your family.
Why Young Adults Should Have a Will
Many young adults believe estate planning is something to think about decades later. However, adulthood itself is the most important milestone for creating a will.
Even early in life, people often have assets such as:
- Vehicles
- Bank accounts
- Retirement accounts or investments
- Personal belongings
- Digital assets
A will allows you to determine who receives those assets and who manages your affairs.
It also provides peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be respected if something unexpected happens.
Why Parents Should Never Delay Estate Planning
For parents, a will serves an especially important purpose. One of the most significant decisions you can make in a will is naming a guardian for your minor children.
Without a will, the court may be forced to determine guardianship without clear direction from the parents.
A will allows you to:
- Choose who will raise your children
- Provide financial guidance for their care
- Protect their inheritance
- Avoid uncertainty during an already difficult time
For families with young children, this step alone makes estate planning essential.
A Will Is the Foundation of Estate Planning
A will is often the starting point of a broader estate plan. Many individuals and families benefit from additional planning tools that work alongside their will.
These may include:
- Trusts
- Powers of attorney
- Healthcare directives
- Beneficiary designations
Together, these documents help ensure that both financial and personal decisions are handled according to your wishes if you become incapacitated or pass away.
An experienced estate planning attorney can help determine which tools are appropriate for your situation.
Estate Planning Can Be Simple and Efficient
Another reason people delay creating a will is the belief that the process is complicated or time-consuming. In reality, modern estate planning can be efficient and straightforward when guided by an experienced attorney.
A structured process focuses on understanding your goals, answering your questions, and preparing documents tailored to your family’s needs. Most families are surprised to learn how quickly the process can be completed once they take the first step.
Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Family
If you have been asking who needs a will, the answer is simple: if you care about your family and your future, you do.
A will ensures your wishes are honored, your loved ones are protected, and your estate is handled according to your intentions.
At Ozarks Legacy Law, our team focuses on creating complete estate plans centered around people—not just legal documents. With more than 50 years of combined experience helping families throughout Southwest Missouri and the Ozarks, we guide clients through an efficient and personalized planning process.
For most clients, the entire estate plan can be completed in 7–10 days and requires only two meetings. Initial planning sessions are always free and without obligation, and we can meet in person or through video conferencing.
If you are ready to prioritize estate planning for your family, contact Ozarks Legacy Law today to schedule your complimentary introduction call.