If you’re a person of modest means, you may think that you don’t need a will. Virginia does have laws that specify who gets your property, if you die without a will. But not drafting a will means that you don’t have control over many important decisions.
As discussed by this great BBC News article, one of those decisions is selecting your executor. If you don’t have a valid Virginia will, anyone who is over the age of 18 can apply to be appointed as your estate’s administrator. If you execute a valid will, you can designate the exact person who will take care of your estate.
The BBC News article really hits on the importance of having a competent executor. This person will have a wide degree of latitude in administering your affairs. And you definitely want to make sure the executor has financial skills and conflict-resolution abilities.
A good executor can truly save your heirs time and trouble. Do your family a favor and execute a valid Virginia will.