I have noticed it has been more common lately for increasingly younger people to have their wills and powers of attorney prepared, and I suspect this is , in part, due to the greater sophistication of consumers in general. I cannot emphasize the importance of an up-to -date will. For while dying without a will does not carry the dire consequences some would have you believe, the lack of guidance to family members and friends at a time of such emotional turmoil can be devastating.