What document can outline how a person's property should be distributed after their death?

A will is a legal document that clearly outlines how a person's property and assets should be distributed after their death. It allows the individual to specify their wishes regarding the distribution of their estate, appoint an executor to manage the estate, and designate guardians for any minor children. This ensures that the decedent's preferences are followed, and it provides clarity and direction to the beneficiaries and the executor, reducing the potential for disputes among heirs.

Other options, while important in legal contexts, do not serve the same function as a will. An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath, typically used as evidence in various legal situations but does not dictate property distribution. A cloud on title refers to any claim or liability that may affect the ownership of a property, and it does not pertain to distribution after death. Deed essentials, while crucial for property transfer, do not address a person's wishes for their estate after their passing. Thus, a will stands as the primary document for detailing property distribution following an individual's death.