What is the purpose of a will?

The purpose of a will is fundamentally to provide clear instructions on how a person's assets should be distributed after their death. A will serves as a legally binding document that expresses the individual's wishes regarding their property and affairs, ensuring that their intentions are honored and that the distribution process is carried out in accordance with their directives. This aspect is crucial for avoiding disputes among potential heirs and for ensuring that beneficiaries receive what the deceased intended for them.

While other options may address aspects that could be addressed in a will, they do not capture the primary function of this legal document. The option about delaying asset distribution misunderstands that a will is designed to facilitate the efficient transfer of assets rather than cause delays. The creation of a financial trust involves a different legal process and purpose, typically used for managing assets during a person's lifetime and after, not solely for distribution upon death. Lastly, while funeral arrangements can be included in a will, this is only a small part of its overall purpose, which primarily focuses on asset distribution rather than just specifying funeral arrangements.