Many people assume estate planning is only for married couples or parents, but single adults need it just as much—if not more. Without a plan, your assets could end up in probate court, and medical or financial decisions could be made by someone you wouldn’t choose.
Whether you’re young and single, divorced, or widowed, having a well-structured estate plan ensures that your wishes are followed and your loved ones are protected.
Why Single Adults Need an Estate Plan
When you don’t have a spouse by default, key legal decisions—who inherits your assets, who makes medical choices for you, and who handles your finances if you’re incapacitated—are left to state law. This can create unnecessary complications and delays.
Here’s why estate planning is critical for single individuals:
- Protect Your Assets: Decide who receives your money, home, or valuables—without the court deciding for you.
- Choose Who Makes Decisions for You: If you become incapacitated, you need to designate someone you trust to handle your medical and financial affairs.
- Avoid Probate and Legal Hassles: Without a clear plan, your estate could be stuck in probate, costing your heirs time and money.
Essential Estate Planning Documents for Single Adults
1. Will or Trust: Who Inherits Your Assets?
A Will ensures that your money, property, and belongings go where you want after you pass. If you die without one (intestate), Georgia law determines who inherits your estate—often distant relatives or even the state.
A revocable living trust is an even stronger tool, allowing you to avoid probate while maintaining control over your assets during your lifetime.
2. Power of Attorney (POA): Who Manages Your Finances?
A Financial Power of Attorney allows you to designate a trusted individual to handle your financial matters if you’re incapacitated. This can include:
- Paying your bills
- Managing investments
- Handling real estate transactions
Without a POA, a court may appoint a guardian, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
3. Advance Directive for Health Care: Who Makes Medical Decisions?
A Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care lets you:
- Choose a medical decision-maker if you’re unable to communicate
- Outline your preferences for life support, resuscitation, and end-of-life care
Without this document, doctors or courts may decide on treatments that don’t align with your values.
4. Beneficiary Designations: Are They Up to Date?
Some assets, like retirement accounts (401k, IRA) and life insurance policies, don’t pass through a will. They transfer directly to the named beneficiary.
Single adults should review their beneficiary designations regularly to ensure they reflect their current wishes.
5. Digital Estate Plan: What Happens to Your Online Accounts?
From social media to financial accounts, your digital presence should be part of your estate plan. Consider:
- Who should manage your email and social media accounts?
- Should financial accounts be closed or transferred?
- Do you want any personal data deleted or archived?
A simple digital estate plan can prevent legal and privacy issues for your loved ones.
What Happens If a Single Adult Dies Without a Plan?
Without a will or estate plan, Georgia’s intestate succession laws dictate how your assets are distributed. This means:
- If you have children, they inherit everything.
- If you don’t have children, your estate may go to parents, siblings, or extended relatives—even if that’s not what you want.
- If no relatives are found, your estate may be claimed by the state of Georgia.
Additionally, without a POA or Advance Directive, courts may appoint a guardian or conservator to handle your affairs, which can be expensive and not reflect your true wishes.
Take Control of Your Future—Start Your Estate Plan Today
As a single adult, you have full control over your future—but only if you take the time to put a plan in place. A well-structured estate plan ensures that your assets, healthcare decisions, and financial matters are handled exactly as you choose.
At Hurban Law, LLC, we help single adults in Georgia create customized estate plans that fit their needs. Whether you’re drafting a will, setting up a trust, or designating decision-makers, we make the process simple and stress-free.
Contact us today to get started on your estate plan and protect your future.
