There could be nothing more important than taking the time to outline your thoughts and wishes in a legally-binding document that's there in black and white for our family and friends to be able to rely on.

While many of us don't want to think about death and dying this is one area of life that you just can't ignore.

Sadly it will happen to all of us and in many cases we won't know when it's going to happen.

While relying on the advice of your trusted legal adviser is always recommended, there are plenty of places where you can be guided on what information to include in this important document.

In fact Legal Aid NSW has straightforward advice on its website about making wills and why people should do so.

As Legal Aid reminds us a will is a legal document that sets out how you want your possessions to be distributed when you die.

Legal Aid advises writing a will is a positive step you can take to provide for the people you care about.

It also ensures you have appointed a person you trust to carry out your instructions when you no longer can.

Legal Aid confirms wills can be, and are, challenged when people believe they are not valid.

Grounds for challenges include when a will is not properly signed and witnessed, or when wills are changed after they were originally signed.

Challenged wills can lead to enormous expense and heartache for all involved and this is something to be avoided at all costs.

In some cases disagreements between a parent and adult children can result in a family member disinheriting his/her own child.

The main asset is generally the house and it is around the house that the majority inheritance disputes are likely to happen.

In many cases a challenged will can end with very little left to distribute to beneficiaries after legal costs are paid.

It could also lead to permanent family estrangement particularly if large sums of money were at stake. Of course it's not only money that can be problematic; often family assets, heirlooms or even items of sentimental value, including pets, can feature in modern-day wills.

Put writing a will on today's to-do list.