Creating an estate plan, including a will, can make processing your assets and managing your final needs much easier for your family. Even if you do not have considerable assets to pass on, you may want to designate what assets you do have and determine how they will be handled. Otherwise, the State of California has a plan for you — and it is called probate. Under probate laws, your assets may be distributed to people you never intended. Furthermore, you may want to carefully consider things like guardianship of minor children or healthcare planning.