Specific bequests of your property may never take place unless you write them out in a will. The fishing pole you wanted to give to your youngest son and the family ring you wanted your daughter to have may end up with someone else. You may not even be laid to rest in the place or manner you wish if your will does not state your wishes.

Given the great advances of modern medicine, you may also want to consider protecting yourself and your loved ones from medical treatments you consider 'extreme'. A “Living Will” appoints one or two loved ones to inform your physicians that you do not wish to remain on life support if there is virtually no chance of meaningful recovery. In the absence of such a document, most hospitals and physicians are reluctant to allow a patient to die a natural death. You may also leave written 'Do Not Resuscitate' orders, directing physicians not to use extraordinary means to prolong life after a terminal illness results in cardiac or respiratory arrest.

If you are one of the remaining people who has significant wealth, your need for a will and other financial planning is imperative. Without estate planning, the assets you worked so hard to gain may end fattening the coffers of the U.S. Treasury rather than going to your family or to worthy charities. You especially need an estate planning attorney.  Through the use of trusts and gifts it is often necessary to execute estate planning steps years before one's last day on Earth.