When people think of estate planning, they often picture married couples with children or wealthy families passing down assets. But the truth is, estate planning is just as important—if not more so—for single individuals. Whether you’re unmarried, divorced, or widowed, having a plan in place ensures that your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected.
In this blog, we’ll break down why estate planning is crucial if you’re single and how you can take steps today to safeguard your future.
✅ 1. Someone Has to Make Decisions If You Can’t
If you become incapacitated due to illness or an accident, who will make medical and financial decisions on your behalf?
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Without a plan: The court may have to appoint a guardian or conservator, and it may not be the person you would have chosen.
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With a plan: By creating a Power of Attorney and Advance Medical Directive (or Medical Power of Attorney), you choose someone you trust to handle important matters if you’re unable to.
For single individuals, these documents are vital since there isn’t an automatic spouse to step in.
✅ 2. Control Who Inherits Your Assets
If you pass away without a will, state laws (called intestacy laws) determine who receives your assets. For singles, this might mean:
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Your parents inherit everything—even if you’re estranged.
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Your siblings inherit next—even if you’d prefer your best friend, a partner, or a charity to benefit.
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If no close relatives exist, your estate may go to distant relatives you don’t even know.
By creating a Last Will and Testament, you decide exactly who inherits your property, money, and belongings.
✅ 3. Protect Your Pets
For many single individuals, pets are family. Without an estate plan, there’s no guarantee that your furry friend will be cared for as you’d want. You can:
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Designate a caregiver for your pet in your will.
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Leave funds in a Pet Trust to ensure they’re provided for.
This gives peace of mind that your pet won’t end up in a shelter or with someone who can’t care for them properly.
✅ 4. Avoid Family Conflicts
Even if you don’t think you own much, personal items—like family heirlooms, jewelry, or even digital accounts—can spark disputes among relatives. An estate plan helps:
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Clearly outline your wishes.
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Prevent arguments between family members.
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Reduce stress for loved ones during an already difficult time.
✅ 5. Plan for Your Digital Life
Singles often manage their digital assets—social media, online accounts, cryptocurrency—independently. Without a plan, these accounts can become inaccessible. Estate planning allows you to:
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Name a digital executor.
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Provide instructions for handling online accounts, emails, and digital property.
✅ 6. Peace of Mind
Perhaps the most important benefit: estate planning gives you control. As a single person, you don’t have to rely on the state to make decisions for you. You can:
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Decide who manages your health care.
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Choose who inherits your belongings.
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Ensure your wishes are carried out—your way.
🎯 Key Takeaway
Being single doesn’t mean you don’t need an estate plan. In fact, it may make it even more critical. From protecting your health care choices to ensuring your assets (and pets!) go where you want, estate planning gives you the peace of mind that everything is handled the way you intend.
✨ Ready to Start Your Estate Plan?
At Jacobson Family Law, we guide individuals—single or married—through the estate planning process with care and clarity.
👉 Check out our Legal Adulting 101 course (currently available at a special discount for a limited time) to learn the essentials of estate planning as a young adult.
🎙️ And don’t forget to tune into our podcast, Divorce Diaries: Lessons from the Trenches, where we cover real-life legal and life challenges, including estate planning, divorce, and moving forward with confidence.
