What Your Will Can—and Cannot—Do
Wills are among the most recognized estate planning documents, yet they are also among the most misunderstood.
Many people believe that once they have a will, all of their estate planning needs are covered. Others assume a will automatically avoids probate or controls every asset they own.
Unfortunately, these misconceptions can create problems for families later.
Understanding what a will can—and cannot—do is an important step toward building a complete estate plan.
What a Will Can Do
A properly drafted will allows you to:
- Determine who receives your assets
- Name a Personal Representative (Executor)
- Nominate guardians for minor children
- Leave gifts to individuals or charities
- Express specific wishes regarding personal property
A will serves as a roadmap for administering your estate after death.
What a Will Cannot Do
Many people are surprised to learn that a will has limitations.
A will generally cannot:
Avoid Probate
This is one of the most common misconceptions.
A will actually goes through probate. It provides instructions to the probate court but does not avoid the process.
Control Beneficiary Designations
Assets such as:
- Retirement accounts
- Life insurance policies
- Certain financial accounts
typically pass according to beneficiary designations, regardless of what the will says.
Provide Incapacity Protection
A will only becomes effective after death.
It does not provide authority for someone to manage finances or make medical decisions during your lifetime.
Why Coordination Matters
Estate planning documents must work together.
A well-designed plan coordinates wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, and beneficiary designations so they support your goals rather than conflict with one another.
Building the Right Plan
A will is an essential starting point—but it should not be the entire plan.
Understanding its strengths and limitations allows families to make informed decisions about additional planning tools that may be appropriate.
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we help families throughout Washington and Oregon build complete estate plans that reflect their unique wishes and bring peace of mind.