One of the most common misconceptions about estate planning is that it’s only necessary if you have children. While planning for kids is an important reason many people create an estate plan, the truth is much broader: estate planning is for adults of all ages and life stages — with or without children.
Whether you’re single, married, retired, or somewhere in between, an estate plan helps ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones aren’t left navigating uncertainty.
What Estate Planning Really Covers
Estate planning isn’t just about who inherits your assets. It’s about planning for both incapacity and death, and making sure trusted people — not courts — are in charge of important decisions.
A basic estate plan often includes:
- A Will
- One or more Trusts (when appropriate)
- An Advance Health Care Directive
- Powers of Attorney
- Proper beneficiary designations
These documents work together to protect you during your lifetime and beyond.
Why This Myth Is Incorrect
- You Still Need to Decide Who Inherits
If you pass away without a will in California, your estate is distributed under California intestacy laws. That means the state — not you — decides who receives your assets, after a lengthy and expensive process in Probate Court. This can result in property passing to relatives you didn’t intend to benefit, while family, close friends, partners, or charities receive nothing.
- Someone Must Make Medical Decisions for You
If you become incapacitated and don’t have an Advance Health Care Directive, California law determines who may make medical decisions on your behalf. That person may not be who you would have chosen. An estate plan allows you to clearly name a trusted decision-maker and outline your medical preferences.
- Financial Authority Matters During Incapacity
Without a Power of Attorney, your loved ones may need to petition the court for authority to manage your finances if you’re unable to do so yourself. Going to Court, especially Probate Court, can be time-consuming, expensive, and stressful — all of which can often be avoided with proper planning.
- Estate Planning Isn’t Just About Children
Many people without kids still have clear goals for their estate, such as:
- Providing for a spouse or long-term partner
- Supporting aging parents or siblings
- Leaving assets to close friends
- Making charitable gifts
- Ensuring pets are properly cared for
An estate plan gives you control over how — and to whom — your assets are distributed.
Why Planning Is Especially Important in California
Certain California laws make estate planning particularly critical:
- No Common Law Marriage: Unmarried partners do not automatically inherit, regardless of how long they’ve been together.
- Community Property Rules: Assets acquired during marriage are generally owned equally, which can affect distribution without proper planning.
- Probate Is Public and Costly: California probate can be lengthy, expensive, and open to the public. Trust-based planning can often help families avoid this process.
Who Should Have an Estate Plan?
Estate planning isn’t just for parents or the wealthy. It’s for:
- Single adults
- Married or unmarried couples
- Business owners
- People with pets
- Anyone who wants clarity, protection, and peace of mind
The Bottom Line
Estate planning is not about how many children you have — or whether you have any at all. It’s about protecting yourself, honoring your wishes, and making things easier for the people you care about.
If you’re ready to create an estate plan or review an existing one, our office is here to help. Thoughtful planning today can prevent unnecessary stress tomorrow. Give us a call at (661) 273-9007 to schedule your FREE consultation.