What is the purpose of a will?

A will primarily serves the purpose of distributing a person's property and assets after their death. It is a legal document that ensures the deceased's wishes are honored regarding how their estate will be managed and distributed. This includes designating beneficiaries for various assets like real estate, bank accounts, and personal items. A properly executed will helps clarify the decedent's intentions, which can reduce confusion and disputes among heirs or beneficiaries.

While managing finances during someone's lifetime and creating trusts are important aspects of estate planning, they fall outside the primary function of a will. Similarly, although avoiding taxes can sometimes be a consideration in estate planning, it is not the primary purpose of a will itself. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the essential role of a will in directing the distribution of property after an individual's death.