There are many reasons a person may want a will. Families with minor children would want to have a will to appoint a guardian of your choice for the minor children and to manage the assets of the minor children in trust, in the event there is no surviving parent and eliminates the costly court proceedings to appoint a guardian. A will designates who will receive your property upon your death, and appoints a person called a personal representative to oversee and administer your estate and making sure your wishes are followed.