Estate Planning, SWJ, Esq. A Will is a disposition by an individual of his or her property intended to take effect after death. A written will must be signed by the testator and generally witnessed by two persons who are not benefificaries of the will. No disposition of an estate is made after the testator's death until the will is probated. Probate is a court proceeding that determines whether or not a will is valid.
Many wills are simple with asset disposition to closest living relatives.
An executor is appointed to carry out the wishes of the testator and to dispose of the estate. More complex wills are Family Trust and Pourover Wills. Once set up it cannot be changed. There are certain conditions that, if met, even an irrevocable trust can be revoked. A revocable trust can be changed by the person having the power to change the trust.