While a living will can help to ensure that you’re in control of your medical care, your end-of-life plan can’t fully represent your wishes without a last will and testament (commonly referred to as a “will”). Having both a last will and a living will can help you, your family, and your medical and legal teams fulfill your plans for the end of your life and after. Consider these four important reasons for making a will:

You decide who executes your estate
You decide who will inherit your estate
You decide who doesn’t inherit your estate
You decide who cares for minor children

Decide who executes your estate

Creating a will and appointing a trusted executor of your choice helps ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes. It may also help minimize court involvement, says the ABA. If you pass away without a will (i.e., dying "intestate"), your state will determine how to split up your estate, according to Thomson Reuters' FindLaw. This includes distributing your possessions and property and appointing a guardian for any minor children.

FindLaw says the executor of a will can be any trusted person, such as a close friend or family member. But don't forget to check that your appointed executor is willing and able to serve in that capacity. They are typically responsible for ensuring all your affairs are in order and executed to your wishes. They’re also responsible for settling your estates which includes paying off bills and closing any accounts, according to FindLaw. Depending on the size and complexity of your estate, you may want to appoint a lawyer or financial professional who can help manage complex finances or inheritance issues. It is also helpful to consult with qualified tax and legal advisors to ensure you structure your estate plan properly.

Decide who will inherit your estate

A will makes clear which persons or organizations (such as charities or universities) receive all or part of your property when you die, says the ABA. This includes homes, vehicles, financial assets and any other personal property you wish to pass on.

You should also keep in mind that some states have community property laws governing spousal inheritance. In these states, a surviving spouse would be entitled to a certain amount of your estate no matter how much you specifically designate in your will, according to the ABA. Remember to consult with a knowledgeable legal professional as part of your estate planning to help you understand any specific laws in your state.

Decide who doesn’t inherit your estate

A will can also be used to disinherit someone who may otherwise be entitled to receive a portion of your estate, says FindLaw. If you don't have a will, all or parts of your estate may end up in the hands of someone you intended to disinherit (such as a relative with whom you've fallen out of touch). When creating a will, remember to check your state's laws to understand who may be legally entitled to a portion of your estate.

You may want to review your will from time to time and make updates when you experience life changes (such as after the birth of a child), recommends The Balance. You can use these opportunities to specify who should receive specific assets based on your new circumstances.

Decide who cares for minor children

By creating a will, you can appoint a guardian to care for your minor children, says the ABA. If you do not have a will that outlines this, a court will usually appoint an official guardian. This is why it’s crucial to select a trusted guardian for your kids. And, if anyone listed as a guardian or executor in your will passes away, it's important to update your will to ensure your wishes are carried out.

Keep in mind that children under the age of 18 cannot manage inherited property on their own, says HG.org. A trust can be created for your minor children and you can appoint a trustee who will care for their inheritance until they reach adulthood.

Creating a will has numerous benefits for you and your family, and it doesn't have to be difficult. Though using an attorney is helpful when creating a will, you may also be able to do it yourself by using online software solutions to help you craft a legally sound document. Whichever method you choose, creating a will may offer peace of mind that your loved ones will be cared for as you intended.