Why Everyone Needs an Estate Plan (Even If You Don’t Have Kids)
Most people think estate planning is something you only need if you have children. But this belief leaves countless adults unprotected. The truth is simple: every adult (with or without kids) needs an estate plan.
An estate plan is not just about who inherits your belongings. It is about making sure your medical and financial wishes are honored if you become incapacitated, ensuring someone you trust can step in when you cannot, and preventing the government from making decisions for you.
In other words, having no plan is still a plan. It’s just not one you want.
Why This Matters Even More for Childfree Adults
If you do not have children, planning becomes even more important. Hospitals and government systems follow a strict “next-of-kin” hierarchy when emergencies happen. If you are unconscious after an accident or hospitalized while traveling, there may be no obvious person for them to call or authorize. That means, the government or health-care system will be making decisions for you.
That may include decisions about:
- What medical treatment you receive
- Whether you remain on life support
- Who can access your home
- Who can handle your finances
- What happens to your pets
Without the proper documents, no partner, friend, or trusted loved one can legally act on your behalf, even if you’ve been together for decades.
The Essential Documents Every Adult Needs
Whether you are single, partnered, childfree, or simply planning responsibly, these are the core components of a solid life plan:
Health Care Surrogate (Health Care Directive)
This names the person who can legally make medical decisions for you. It also outlines your treatment preferences, so your doctors and loved ones never have to guess.
Durable Power of Attorney
This allows someone you trust to manage finances, pay bills, handle insurance matters, and protect your assets if you cannot.
Last Will and Testament
Even without children, you likely care about who receives your assets — whether that is a sibling, a friend, or a charity that matters to you.
Living Will
This lays out your end-of-life preferences clearly and compassionately.
Creating these documents now eliminates confusion later and protects the people who love you from being shut out or overwhelmed.
Taking Control of Your Future
Estate planning (or ‘life planning’ as we call it) is not about just your things or wealth. It is about protecting your autonomy. It ensures your voice is heard, your values are honored, and your life is managed the way you would want.
And while most of us won’t be around to see the impact, the people you leave behind will feel the difference immediately. A well-crafted plan is one of the most generous gifts you can give.
At The Law Offices of Mark F. Moss, PLLC, we help adults with and without children take control of their future through thoughtful, comprehensive life planning.
Call 904-329-7242 or visit MarkMossLaw.com to create your plan with clarity and confidence.
*Disclaimer: Reading this blog post does not create an attorney-client relationship and is not legal or tax advice. This is for informational purposes only. It is best to speak with an attorney or tax professional about your specific situation, questions, assets, concerns, and needs.