Avoid putting your family through the stress that comes with the probate process while they are trying to adjust to life without you
Save potentially thousands of dollars in unnecessary probate costs
Control who will receive your assets after your lifetime
Control under what conditions your beneficiaries will receive your assets
Structure gifts to your children and grandchildren so that they can receive money for things like education or retirement, but they will not have unrestricted access to any money until the age(s) you deem appropriate
Keep your assets, debts, and identities of your beneficiaries private
Save potentially thousands of dollars in estate taxes
Authorize other persons to make financial and medical decisions for you in the event you are unable to make those decisions for yourself