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Most people assume estate planning is only for older adults or those with significant wealth. But in reality, young adults need estate plans too—and often for reasons that are more urgent than they realize.
Whether you’re in your 20s or 30s, married or single, with or without kids, here’s why you should start thinking about estate planning now—not later.
Who Needs Estate Planning as a Young Adult?
If you answer “yes” to any of the following, estate planning applies to you:
- Do you have a job, savings, or a retirement account?
- Are you married, engaged, or in a long-term relationship?
- Do you have kids—or plan to have them soon?
- Do you own a car, house, or small business?
- Do you want to choose who makes medical or financial decisions for you in an emergency?
If so, you already have an “estate”—and you already need a basic plan.
👉 See why estate planning matters for young families in Georgia
1. Emergencies Happen—Even to the Young and Healthy
Accidents and sudden health issues don’t discriminate by age. If you were in a serious accident tomorrow and couldn’t communicate, who would:
- Make medical decisions on your behalf?
- Access your bank accounts to pay bills?
- Manage your social media or digital accounts?
Without legal documents in place, your family may need to go to court just to act on your behalf. A simple healthcare directive and financial power of attorney can prevent that.
2. You Need to Name Beneficiaries and Guardians
If you have children—or plan to—your estate plan allows you to:
- Name a guardian to care for them if something happens to you
- Decide who will manage money on their behalf
- Make sure your assets go to them (and not to unintended relatives)
Even if you don’t have kids, you likely have retirement accounts, life insurance, or digital assets that need beneficiary designations and clear instructions.
3. Without a Will, the State Decides Everything
If you die without a will in Georgia, the courts decide:
- Who inherits your property
- Who cares for your children
- Who controls your affairs
And those decisions might not reflect your wishes. Estate planning gives you the power to control what happens, rather than leaving it to state law.
👉 Learn how Georgia intestacy law distributes property without a will
4. Estate Planning Helps You Protect What You’re Building
Even if you don’t feel “wealthy,” you’ve likely started building a financial life:
- A job with retirement benefits
- A savings or investment account
- A car or home
- A business, side hustle, or intellectual property
A basic estate plan helps protect those assets, simplify taxes, and ensure they pass to the right people—with less court involvement.
5. Planning Now Saves Time, Money, and Stress Later
Young adults often assume estate planning is expensive or complicated. But in most cases, it’s:
- Straightforward: A will, healthcare directive, and power of attorney are all you may need to start
- Affordable: Especially compared to the cost of court battles or probate
- Adaptable: Your plan can (and should) evolve as your life changes
Starting early means you’re prepared—and you’ll never leave your family guessing in an emergency.
Bottom Line: It’s About Control and Peace of Mind
Estate planning isn’t just for the old or wealthy. It’s for anyone who cares about their future, their loved ones, and what happens in the unexpected.
At Hurban Law, LLC, we help young professionals, new parents, and couples in Georgia create estate plans that reflect their lives today—and grow with them tomorrow.
Contact us today to build a simple, smart plan that gives you peace of mind.
