If you have a legal problem, you must consult a lawyer to understand how the law applies in your state and in your situation. A Will is your written instructions to distribute your property at your death to those persons whom you wish to receive it. Your Will only transfers property that you own at the time of your death. Having a Will does not avoid probate. A Will states who will receive your property.
Probate is the process used to transfer the property.
Some property may pass to others on your death without being transferred by a Will or a trust. Any property that is owned jointly with survivorship rights passes automatically to the joint owner. This can include real estate, bank accounts, stocks or bonds and other property. Some property may be paid directly to a named beneficiary. This includes life insurance policies, IRAs, or certain bank accounts that have named beneficiaries.