Most of the estate planning tips and tricks revolve around plans for couples; however, a single person’s estate plan is just as important. In many circumstances, the way that a single person structures their estate plan and who is named differs from an estate plan of a couple. Just as with couples, if a single person fails to properly plan there can be dire consequences for an estate.
Dying Without a Will
If a single person dies without a will, then they are considered intestate. All of the assets in their estate go into probate, and the court will disperse the assets according to state law. Because there is no spouse, typically the court will split the estate between any children, parents, and siblings. If there are no close living relatives, then all of the assets in the estate are forfeit to the state. This worst case scenario highlights the importance of titling various assets, beneficiary designations, and how an estate plan can help a single person.