Nobody wants to think about their death, but death is inevitable. Fortunately, you can still control the management and distribution of your assets and finances after your death. The best way to do that is to prepare a will. Here are the benefits of preparing a will.

A will is one of the most fundamental documents every American should have. It protects the assets you’ve worked hard for as well as your family and legacy. However, that will could be undone by a successful will contest. Contests—probate litigation by an heir or other stakeholder that challenges the legality of the will—are not common, but they do happen.

When you pass away, most or all of your estate will go through a process known as probate. While many people have heard of probate, few really understand what it is and how it works. Here are some answers to your questions.