What does a last will and testament do?

A will provides for the distribution of certain property owned by you at your death, and generally you may dispose of such property in any manner you desire, a major exception being statutory law that prohibits the disinheritance of a surviving spouse. Your will does not govern the disposition of your property that is controlled by titling, beneficiary designations, or payable on death designations. These assets pass automatically at death to those designated.