Common Estate Planning Concerns for Single People

 Posted on October 06, 2026 in Estate Planning

For married individuals, estate planning is typically pretty straightforward, as most assets are often allocated to a surviving spouse or children. However, statistics show that more people are opting for the single life with no children-either permanently or at least until later in life. This creates some important considerations when determining what to do with your savings and assets in the future. If you need guidance on how to proceed, consider working with a Lombard, IL estate planning lawyer.

At A. Traub & Associates, we know that each client’s long-term goals are different. With that in mind, we provide personalized counsel and representation to suit your needs. We also have over 100 years of combined experience, so clients can trust our insights.

Should You Wait to Create Your Estate Plan?

It can be tempting to wait to create your estate plan until you are married or older. However, it is important to consider the unexpected. Accidents, health conditions, and other unpredictable incidents can end your life suddenly or place you in a vulnerable medical situation.

A large part of the importance stems from the risk of being incapable of making financial or medical decisions. However, you should also consider that, when there is no will or trust, the government takes predetermined paths that eat up valuable assets that could have gone to someone else.

What Should You Do With Your Assets in an Estate Plan if You Are Single?

When you are single, there are many ways you can allocate assets. You may choose to distribute amounts to cousins, parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, nieces, nephews, or other members of your extended family; or you may opt for donating your assets to a charity. Alternatively, you can develop a fund to benefit others, donate the money to research, or allocate the assets to various organizations. The choice is truly yours – just be certain that you have spoken with a qualified estate planning attorney to ensure you have followed all applicable laws and regulations.

Should You Appoint an Executor, Trustee, or Power of Attorney?

Choosing an executor, trustee, or power of attorney can be extremely difficult when you do not have a spouse or children. First, the assigned person or persons must be someone you trust. They must also be willing to understand and accept your end-of-life decisions. Additionally, you should carefully consider if you are comfortable with having someone who stands to gain something act as your medical or financial proxy. For some, this can be a very touchy subject, considering how money can sometimes cloud a person’s judgment.

Do You Need to Update Your Estate Plan?

Single people should update their estate plans whenever their lives change in a big way. Many single people name a parent, sibling, or close friend in their will. But people pass away, move far away, or drift apart. If the person you named as your executor or heir has died, your plan may no longer work the way you hoped.

New relationships can also call for changes. Illinois law does not give an unmarried partner any right to inherit from you if you die without a will. If you want a partner to receive part of your estate, you need to say so in writing. The same goes for naming someone to make medical or money decisions for you.

Other changes can affect your plan too. You might buy a home, start a business, or get a large raise. A niece or nephew may grow up and become someone you trust to handle your affairs. A good rule is to review your plan every few years and after any major event.

How Can Single People Make Sure Their Estate Planning Wishes Are Followed in 2026?

Making sure your estate planning wishes are followed starts with keeping your documents easy to find. This is extra important for single people who live alone. No one else may know where your documents are kept. A will that no one can find may not help you at all. If your loved ones cannot locate it, the court may handle your estate as if you never made one.

Keep your original will and other key papers in a safe, easy-to-reach place. A fireproof box at home is one option. Some people leave the original with their attorney. If you use a bank safe deposit box, make sure someone else can get into it after your death.

Telling the right people is just as important as storing your documents. Let your executor know where your will is. Your health care agent and power of attorney agent should also have copies of their documents. Hospitals and banks may ask to see them in an emergency. You might also leave a short note with a trusted friend or family member listing where everything is stored.

What Are Some Basic Estate Planning Tips for Single People?

One of the most basic estate planning tips for single people is to make sure your will is valid under Illinois law. A will must be in writing and signed by you. Two credible witnesses must also sign it in your presence (755 ILCS 5/4-3). Other documents, such as powers of attorney, have their own rules that must be followed. A small mistake can cause a document to be thrown out.

Next, make a detailed list of what you own. Include bank accounts, retirement funds, real estate, vehicles, and valuable personal items. Write down any debts as well. Check which accounts have a named beneficiary, since those pass outside of your will. A clear list helps your executor find everything and saves time later.

Funeral plans are another step many single people overlook. Without a spouse or children, family members may disagree about what you would want. Write down your wishes for burial or cremation, services, and costs. Illinois also allows you to name a person to make these decisions for you.

An estate planning attorney can help with each of these steps. A lawyer can review your documents to make sure they meet state rules. An attorney can also help you build your inventory, plan for funeral costs, and update your plan as life changes. Taking these steps now can give you peace of mind and protect the people you care about.

Need Help with Your Estate Plan? Talk to a DuPage, IL County Wills and Trusts Attorney

Regardless of your age, marital status, or income level, it is important to seek the assistance of a qualified professional when creating any aspect of an estate plan to ensure you are following Illinois guidelines and regulations. For more information, contact an experienced Lombard, IL estate planning lawyer with A. Traub & Associates today. Call 630-426-0196 to schedule a confidential consultation.