Everything I read tells me we need a will. We don't have one, everything is in both of our names and I'm struggling with broaching the subject. What can I expect if I quit worrying about that and don't have one in place?

If everything is in joint names then I'm not sure you need a will but everybody can be different. A will is a simple thing to do if you don't have a complicated financial structure so better safe than sorry.

I would get a Health Care Directive and even a Power of Attorney signed. Again just in case. If you need help e me. I could do these over the phone and e mail them to you for the signatures in no time at all.