Single, No Kids, No Estate Plan? Why That’s Riskier Than You Think
"I'm single and I don't have kids, so I don't really need estate planning, right?"
I hear this all the time. And I get why people think this way—estate planning does seem like something that's only for parents or married couples with complicated finances.
But here's the reality: If you're an adult with any assets, relationships you care about, or opinions about your own medical care, you need an estate plan. Without one, North Carolina law—not you—decides what happens to your money, your property, and even who makes decisions about your healthcare.
Let me explain why being unmarried and child-free actually makes estate planning more important, not less.
1. You Get to Choose Who Inherits Your Assets
Here's what most people don't realize: If you pass away without a will or trust, state intestacy laws take over. In North Carolina, that typically means your assets go to your parents, then to your siblings, then to more distant relatives—even if you haven't spoken to some of them in years.
Maybe you'd rather leave your home to your best friend who's been there through everything. Maybe you want your niece to inherit your savings. Or perhaps you'd like to support the animal rescue where you adopted your dog. Without an estate plan, none of that happens. The state follows a rigid formula that has nothing to do with your actual relationships or wishes.
An estate plan gives you complete control. You decide who gets what, and you can be as specific or as flexible as you want. Your estate should reflect your life and your values—not a one-size-fits-all legal formula.
2. Someone You Trust Can Make Medical Decisions for You
Let's talk about something that's not fun to think about but is incredibly important: what happens if you're in an accident or medical emergency and can't speak for yourself?
Without a health care power of attorney, doctors will default to your next of kin—which legally means your parents or siblings. But what if you're estranged from your family? What if your parents' values don't align with yours? What if you'd rather have your partner, your best friend, or a particular sibling make those decisions?
A health care power of attorney and living will ensure that the person you trust most is making decisions that align with your wishes. These documents speak for you when you can't speak for yourself—and they're just as important as any will or trust.
3. Financial Decisions Don't Grind to a Halt
Imagine this: You're in the hospital, unable to manage your affairs. Your bills are piling up, your mortgage is due, and someone needs to access your bank accounts to keep everything running. Without a durable power of attorney for finances, no one can help you—not legally, anyway.
Your loved ones would have to go to court and petition for guardianship, a process that can take months and cost thousands of dollars. All while your financial life is on hold.
A durable power of attorney solves this problem completely. You name someone you trust to step in and manage your finances if you become incapacitated. They can pay your bills, handle your investments, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. It's protection for you and relief for the people who care about you.
4. You Can Prevent Family Drama
Even the closest families can disagree when there's no clear plan in place. Without written instructions, relatives may argue about what you "would have wanted" or who should be in charge. Old resentments can resurface. Relationships can be damaged.
I've seen it happen too many times. A sibling assumes they'll inherit the family cabin because they used it most often. A parent thinks they should get everything because "that's just how it works." Meanwhile, no one actually knows what you wanted because you never wrote it down.
An estate plan removes the guesswork. It provides clear instructions that reduce the chance of conflict and give your family clarity during an already difficult time. You're not just protecting your assets—you're protecting your relationships.
5. You Can Leave a Legacy That Reflects Your Values
If you don't have children, you might be thinking about legacy differently than parents do. Maybe there's a cause you're passionate about—a charity, your alma mater, an environmental organization, or a local nonprofit that's made a difference in your community.
Without an estate plan, you lose the opportunity to support what matters to you. Your assets will simply flow to relatives according to state law, even if that's not where you'd want them to go.
A will or trust allows you to make meaningful gifts that reflect who you are and what you care about. It's a way to make an impact that lasts beyond your lifetime.
Why This Matters Even More When You're Single
Here's the thing: Married couples and parents are often prompted to think about estate planning because they're protecting spouses and children. But when you're single without kids, there's no obvious trigger pushing you to plan.
That's exactly why it's so important. The default rules aren't designed for your situation. They don't account for your chosen family, your close friendships, or your personal values. You have to be intentional about creating a plan that actually works for your life.
Estate planning isn't about age or marital status or whether you have kids. It's about making sure you stay in control of your life, your assets, and your decisions—no matter what happens.
Take Control of Your Future
Being unmarried and child-free doesn't mean you can skip estate planning. In fact, it makes having a plan even more crucial, because without one, the default legal rules likely don't match your personal wishes at all.
At Smart Law PLLC, we help unmarried adults create estate plans that reflect their unique relationships, values, and goals. Whether you want to protect a partner, support causes you believe in, or simply make sure the right people are making decisions on your behalf, we'll build a plan that works for you.
Ready to Get Started?
Book your Peace of Mind Planning Session—a virtual consultation where we'll discuss your situation, explain your options, and review our flat fee pricing. If we're a good fit, we'll talk about next steps. If not, that's totally fine.
The fee for this session is normally $300, but mention this blog post and we'll waive it.
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Don't let the state decide your future. Take control now, while you still can.
