Bank accounts, real estate, stocks, bonds and other property held in joint names of husband and wife, (but not necessarily other persons) usually pass automatically to the survivor upon the death of one of them.  This does not mean; however, that they do not need separate wills.  If one dies shortly after the other, such as in the case of a common accident, the survivor may not have the time or opportunity to make a will, or may neglect to do so.  Property may pass to the unintended heirs of the survivor.