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Many people believe that if they are single, they don’t need a Last Will and Testament or other estate planning documents. But estate planning is just as important for single people as it is for couples and families.
Estate planning allows you to ensure that your property will go to the people you want, in the way you want, and when you want. If you do not have an estate plan, the state will decide who gets your property and who will make decisions for you should you become incapacitated, and these aren’t necessarily the choices you would have chosen for yourself. An estate plan can also help you save on estate taxes and on court costs for your loved ones.
The most basic estate planning document is a Last Will and Testament. If you do not have a Last Will and Testament directing who will inherit your assets, your estate will be distributed according to state law. If you are single, most states provide that your estate will go to your children or to other living relatives if you don’t have children. If you have absolutely no living relatives, then your will go to the state. You may not want to leave your entire estate to relatives — you may have close friends or charities that you think should get something. Without a Last Will and Testament, you have no way of directing where your property goes.
The next most important document is a Durable Power of Attorney. A durable power of attorney allows a person you appoint — your “attorney-in-fact” or “agent” — to act in your place for financial purposes if and when you ever become incapacitated. In that case, the person you choose will be able to step in and take care of your financial affairs. Without a Durable Power of Attorney, no one can represent you unless a court appoints a conservator or guardian. The court process takes time, costs money, and the judge may not choose the person you would prefer.
In addition, you should have a Health Care Proxy with Advance Directives. Similar to a Durable Power of Attorney, a Health Care Proxy with Advance Directives allows an individual to appoint someone else to act as their agent, but for medical, as opposed to financial, decisions. Unlike married individuals, unmarried partners or friends cannot make decisions for each other without your signed authorization or court appointment.
Finally, for single individuals who are unmarried but have a partner, an estate plan is may be even more important than for married couples because without an estate plan in place, unmarried couples will not be able to make end-of-life decisions or inherit from each other.
Don’t think that because you are single, you don’t need an estate plan. Contact Attorney Patricia Bloom-McDonald to find out what estate planning documents you need to assure your wishes will be carried out and those you care about will be protected..