Contrary to the misconception that underlies this question, EVERYONE in the United States has a will.  The issue is whether the individual has taken time to make a will that fits his or her particular situation or instead has been content with the one-size-fits-most will that state law supplies.  People often are moved to do some individual planning when they hear what the state will does not allow them to do — for example, leave funds to non-relatives or charities, provide disproportionate shares for certain beneficiaries, attach “strings” or provide safeguards for elderly or minor beneficiaries, appoint their own executors, trustees and guardians, and do any estate tax planning.   

J. William Gray

Hunton & Williams LLP