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If you don’t have children, do you still need an estate plan?

On Behalf of | Apr 29, 2022 | Wills |

You’re happily married, but children have never been on the radar for you. As a result, you’ve put estate planning on the backburner.

You assume that everything will automatically go to your spouse if you predecease them. Is this really the case? Is estate planning something that’s worth considering if you don’t have children?

Providing for your loved ones

Just because you don’t have children, that doesn’t mean your other family members and friends don’t mean a great deal to you. When you pass away, your assets may be allocated to your spouse, but the only way to guarantee this is through legally binding estate planning documents.

If something were to happen to you both simultaneously, then your estate will be divided according to a court ruling. Only you know the intricacies of your family’s needs. While the courts will do their best, they are not likely to match your wishes 100%.

What about your pets?

For animal lovers, pets are generally considered to be part of the family. You can provide for your pets in an estate plan, ensuring that they are cared for no matter what happens. A pet trust offers a means of guaranteeing that your pet gets the loving care and veterinary treatment they need for life.

Charitable causes

You’ve always lived your life with the ethos of giving back to the community. This is something that you want to be a part of your legacy. An estate plan allows you to donate assets to charitable causes, meaning that your life’s work can continue long after you have gone.

Just because you don’t have children, that doesn’t mean you should disregard estate planning. Having experienced legal guidance can help you ensure that you develop a plan that meets your needs.