Last wills and testaments allow you, instead of the default provisions of the 
California Probate Code, to decide who will inherit your assets after you die. 
If you do not have a will, your nearest relatives will inherit your assets after 
you die. If you wanted to make a gift to other relatives, to someone outside 
of the family, or to a charity, your desires will not happen unless you have
 an estate plan in effect when you pass away.

A will also allows you to nominate guardians for your minor children. 
This nomination provides valuable information to the court that will determine 
who the guardians will be. The probate of the will and the appointment of guardians are done in two separate court proceedings.