What legal document is required to detail how a person's assets should be distributed after their death?

The legal document that explicitly outlines how a person's assets should be distributed upon their death is a will. A will serves as a formal declaration of an individual’s intentions regarding the distribution of their estate, including personal property and financial assets, to designated beneficiaries. It not only specifies who will receive what but also can appoint guardians for minor children, thereby providing a comprehensive plan for the individual's affairs after their passing.

In the context of estate planning, a trust serves a different purpose, primarily allowing for the management of assets during a person's lifetime and ensuring those assets are distributed according to the trust's terms after death. A deed typically pertains to the transfer of real property and does not address overall asset distribution upon death. A codicil is an amendment that alters or adds to an existing will, but it is not a standalone document for estate distribution. Understanding these distinctions is key in identifying the specific legal instrument that dictates asset distribution.