A will is a document containing a person’s instructions specifying how his or her property (estate) should be handled when they die. Among other things, a will establishes who should carry out your instructions (the executor) and what powers they should have, how your assets should be distributed and to whom, and name legal guardians for your minor children. Additionally, a will can form a trust or a will can assign all assets of your estate into an already established trust (a pour-over will).