A will is a legal document that allows you to control who will receive your property when you die, and how and when they’ll receive it. It also allows you to name someone to carry out the instructions in your will, and allows you to nominate a guardian for your minor children.
If you die without a will, the state of Illinois makes these decisions for you. Property that you own in your own name will go to your legal heirs. Who are they? Usually these people are your spouse, your children, or, if you have neither, then your other closest relatives.
Same-sex partners are not considered to be legal heirs or relatives, and so are not legally entitled to inherit each other’s property without a will. No matter how long you’ve been with your partner, no matter what your relationship is with your relatives, if you die without a will, your partner will not inherit your property.
A will allows you to make sure that your partner inherits your property when you die.