Estate Planning for Single Parents

As a single parent, estate planning may not be at the top of your to-do list. However, it’s important to take the time to create an estate plan to ensure that your children are taken care of in the way you would prefer if something were to happen to you. Here’s what you need to know about estate planning for single parents:

1. Choosing a guardian: One of the most important decisions you’ll make in your estate plan is choosing a guardian for your children. This is the person who will be responsible for your children’s care if you’re no longer able to provide for them. It’s important to choose someone who shares your values and who you trust to raise your children in the way you would want.
2. Creating a will: A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after your death. As a single parent, it’s especially important to have a will to ensure that your assets are distributed in the way you would prefer and that your children are taken care of. However, if you have more than a very modest estate, a trust may be a better option.
3. Establishing a trust: A trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to transfer your assets to a trustee, who manages them on behalf of your beneficiaries. This can be a good option for single parents, as it can provide ongoing support for your children and ensure that your assets are protected. It can also allow you to avoid probate if your estate exceeds about $150,000.
4. Setting up a power of attorney: A power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to designate someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. As a single parent, it’s important to have a power of attorney to ensure that someone is able to manage your finances and make decisions for your children if something were to happen to you.

In conclusion, estate planning is an important task for single parents. By taking the time to create an estate plan, you can ensure that your children are taken care of in the way you would want and that your assets are distributed in the way you would prefer.

If you’re a single parent and need help with estate planning, be sure to consult with an experienced and qualified estate planning attorney who can help you create a plan that meets your specific needs and goals.

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Timothy P. Murphy

Timothy P. Murphy is an estate planning and elder law attorney whose practice emphasizes helping people to build, preserve and pass on their wealth. He works with his clients to accomplish their goals while avoiding unnecessary court proceedings and minimizing or eliminating exposure to death taxes.

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