Your executor makes certain that your wishes are carried out. You choose the person you want as your executor by naming him or her in your will. In case that person cannot do the job for some reason, you can name as alternative executors other people on whom you can rely. With a will, you can make this decision. Just as with the executor, you can name other reliable people for this job in case your first choice cannot serve.
People often worry about the costs of probate.
In Illinois, probating a small estate can often cost less than the available alternatives. In any case, a will should include provisions to reduce taxes and other costs of dealing with your affairs after you are gone. A will takes the guesswork out of dealing with your assets and your dependents. There is no need to argue about what you wanted, because you have already made it clear. Your survivors can have the satisfaction of knowing for certain your last wishes.