No one wants to have to think about their own death; and yet, if you truly love your relatives and next-of-kin, the best way to avoid adding pain to your passing is by making your wishes clear in a will.

While laws vary from state to state, in general, without a will, a judge in probate court decides where all of your stuff goes and to whom. And despite the relative ease and affordability, over half of all adult Americans still haven’t drafted one.

If you want to protect your loved ones and cover your assets, here are some tips to get you started:

Make it Legal

While laws vary by state, there are a few basic requirements that make up a valid will:

DIY or Go With a Pro?

The simplest way to make a will is DIY, or “Draft It Yourself,” using preprinted forms and user-friendly legal software found at most office supply stores. If you’re single or childless and relatively asset-free, this is probably your best option. Nolo offers an online will preparation kit and also developed Quicken’s WillMaker software; both are available for under $100 at nolo.com.

If you own property, a business, or hold significant assets, you may want to hire an attorney familiar with the estate planning laws in your state. The same holds true if you have children or other heirs, as creating trusts and guardianships can require professional expertise. Lawyers’ fees may make this a costlier option, but there is no price tag on peace of mind

Name Your Executor

An executor is the person who makes sure your wishes are carried out as written in your will. You don’t have to select an attorney, but it should be someone you trust to take care of basic legal and financial matters; this can include your spouse, child, friend, or trusted associate.

If your estate is complicated, consider naming an attorney knowledgeable about estate law as your executor.

Finally, no matter who you pick as your executor, make sure that he or she knows how to contact your lawyer.

Decide Who Gets What

You can give away your goods to just about anyone you like, with a few exceptions. In just about every state:

Extra Considerations

Finally, be sure that your will is placed somewhere that your heirs will be to find it easily. And it’s always a good idea to ensure that your attorney either has access to, or even better, a copy of, your will.