Resource Center

Do an image search for “estate planning” and you’ll likely see lots of pictures of couples, some young, some older, many with kids. But singles – many without kids – have specific estate planning needs that shouldn’t be ignored.

If you've got a life partner but no marriage certificate, estate planning is a must. Without it, neither of you will inherit from each other—and neither of you will have a say in the other's end-of-life medical care. If you die without a valid will, state law will dictate where your solely owned property goes after your death, and it won't go to an unmarried partner. Instead, if you have no children, your closest relatives, including your parents, would inherit.

It’s important to focus on conversations — talking with people in your life about what’s important to you, to make sure your wishes are understood and respected. We’ve heard from LGBTQ+ individuals that in addition to these important conversations, documentation of wishes — making sure they are written down and recognized — is an essential focus, too.

Estate planning is often associated with married couples and those who are wealthy. However, single parents who are solely responsible for their children’s well-being should also prioritize estate planning. As a parent, you likely care deeply about your child’s future. Estate planning is a phenomenal way to proactively plan for the future and the various unknowns that come with it.

Losing a spouse is like losing half of who you are. This tragic event comes with not only adjusting to a life without your loved one but also navigating the unfamiliar territory of finances. This can be especially true for women who have been accustomed to leaving financial matters to their husbands. There are many considerations to keep in mind when navigating this new territory.

According to one estimate, about a quarter of all marriages and nearly two-thirds (63%) of remarriages involve stepchildren. No matter how loving and successful, such arrangements often pose unique personal and financial challenges that may only intensify as wealth transfers from one generation to the next. For these reasons, careful estate planning, while highly recommended for any family, is especially vital for blended ones.

Anyone in the US can create a will on their own using online estate planning tools. As long as the will meets your state’s rules, like being written, signed, and witnessed properly, it is legally binding. But here is the problem: most people don’t know all the little details that matter. And missing just one can lead to big problems later on.

What does it mean to really show up for a mom this Mother’s Day? Maybe it looks like taking something off her plate. Maybe it looks like helping her sleep better at night. Maybe it means finally starting a conversation she hasn’t had the space or energy to initiate. That’s where an estate plan comes into the equation.

If you aren’t married and have no children, you may think you don’t need an estate plan. But nothing could be further from the truth. Unlike with married couples, there could be no specific person who can legally make medical decisions for you should you become incapacitated. And if you were to die without an estate plan, your property would likely go through the probate process and potentially be awarded to a beneficiary you never would have chosen yourself.

Without a clear estate plan, pets can end up in shelters, rehomed to an unfamiliar environment, or even neglected. To avoid this, it’s essential to include pet guardianship, financial provisions, and legal documentation in your estate planning process.