Wills and Trusts: A Guide for Single Childfree Women

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Nobody loves thinking about what happens when we die. For single women, especially those without kids, it can feel even stranger. You might catch yourself wondering, “Who would even get my stuff?” and then push the thought away because it feels morbid or unnecessary. But having an estate plan isn’t just about death. It’s about control, peace of mind and making sure your hard-earned money, your home or even your favorite jewelry ends up exactly where you want it.

And yes, this matters whether you’re 28 and building your first nest egg, 48 and buying a house or 68 and living your best retired life. The biggest mistake single women make? Not having any plan at all.

What’s a Will and Why Do You Need One?

A will is the simplest form of estate planning. It’s a legal document that says who gets what when you die, and who will handle the process. Without one, your state decides for you, and that usually means your parents, siblings or even distant relatives could inherit by default. If you’d rather have a say, you need a will.

• How much does it cost? A basic will through an attorney can run $300 to $1,000. Online DIY options like LawDepot can be a low-cost alternative.
• Can you write your own? In most states, yes, a handwritten or typed will can be valid if it’s signed and witnessed properly. You can also use a guided, beginner-friendly platform like LawDepot to create a will online. If you have a more complicated portfolio or situation, an attorney is safer.
• Best practice for single women: Make sure to include a health care proxy (who makes medical decisions if you can’t) and a financial power of attorney (who manages your money if you’re incapacitated).

What About a Trust?

A trust is a more advanced estate planning tool. Unlike a will, which only kicks in after you die, a trust can take effect while you’re alive. It lets you transfer assets (like your home, investments or savings) into a trust that’s managed according to your instructions.

• Types of trusts:
  • Revocable living trust: You control it during your life, and it helps avoid probate (the court process of distributing assets).
  • Irrevocable trust: Once set, it can’t be changed easily. Often used for tax benefits or to protect assets.
• Cost: Setting up a trust with an attorney typically costs $1,500 to $3,000.
• Why it matters for single women: A trust can simplify things for whoever you leave in charge and avoid messy court battles among relatives you may not even be close to.

When Should a Single Woman Set One Up?

According to a 2023 Caring.com survey, only 34 percent of Americans have a will, and women are less likely than men to have one (Source: Caring.com, 2023). You don’t need to wait until you’re “rich” to start estate planning. Consider setting up a will or trust if:

• You own property or a home
• You’ve built up significant savings or investments
• You have specific wishes about who should inherit your assets (or who shouldn’t)
• You want to leave money to friends, siblings or a cause you care about

Who Are Your “Heirs” if You Don’t Have Kids?

Your heirs can be anyone you choose. A niece or nephew, a best friend, a sibling or even an organization. Many childfree women choose to leave part (or all) of their estate to charities, scholarships or causes that matter to them. You get to decide.

What Happens if You Don’t Have a Will or Trust?

If you die without a plan (known as dying intestate), your state’s laws determine who inherits. Usually that means parents, then siblings and then more distant relatives. If no relatives are found, the state gets your assets. If this happens, the state won’t know you wanted your best friend to get your grandmother’s ring or that you’d hoped to fund an animal shelter.

Key Things to Include

• Who gets your assets (money, home, investments, personal items)
• A trusted executor (the person who carries out your wishes)
• A health care proxy
• A financial power of attorney
• Instructions for digital assets (think social media, email, crypto wallets)
• Charitable gifts, if you want to leave a legacy

Tax and Legal Watch-Outs

• Estate tax: The federal estate tax only applies if your estate exceeds a certain amount (it was $13.61 million in 2024 (indexed for inflation)), so most women won’t hit this threshold. Some states, however, have their own estate or inheritance taxes.
• Inheritance tax: A few states tax heirs directly. Check your state’s laws if you’re leaving assets to friends or non-relatives.

Common Mistakes That Single Women Make

1. Not making a plan at all
2. Forgetting to update after big life changes (buying property, new relationships, falling out with family)
3. Not telling anyone where your will or trust is kept
4. Assuming an online template covers every situation
5. Overlooking digital assets or nontraditional wealth like small businesses or side hustles

How to Get Started: A Step-by-Step Checklist

Step 1: Take inventory of what you own

• Savings, checking and investment accounts
• Real estate or property
• Retirement accounts (401k, IRA)
• Insurance policies
• Personal items (jewelry, art, furniture, pets, digital assets)

Step 2: Decide who gets what

• Make a list of people or organizations you’d like to inherit your assets
• Don’t forget charities, scholarships or causes that matter to you
• Be specific: vague instructions cause problems later

Step 3: Choose the right decision-makers

• Executor: the person who will carry out your will
• Trustee (if you create a trust): manages assets according to your instructions
• Health care proxy: makes medical decisions if you can’t
• Financial power of attorney: handles money if you’re incapacitated

Step 4: Draft your documents

• Use an attorney for professional guidance (especially for trusts)
• Or use a reputable online platform like LawDepot for a simple will
• Include backup options (e.g., if your first-choice executor can’t serve)

Step 5: Sign, witness and store safely

• Follow your state’s requirements for signing and witnesses
• Store in a fireproof safe, with your attorney or in another secure location
• Tell your executor/trusted person how to access it

Step 6: Review and update regularly

• Revisit every 3 to 5 years or after big life events
• Update beneficiaries, assets and instructions as needed

Wills & Trusts: FAQs

Do I need a lawyer?

Not always, but it’s highly recommended once you have property, significant savings or complex wishes.

Where should I keep my will or trust?

In a safe place like a fireproof home safe or with your attorney. Tell your executor how to access it.

Do I have to file it anywhere?

Some states allow voluntary registration, but it’s not required.

How often should I update it?

Every 3 to 5 years or after major life events (buying property, starting a business, etc.).

Estate planning isn’t just for wealthy families with kids. For single childfree women, it’s about making sure your voice is heard even after you’re gone. Think of it less as “planning for death” and more as “securing your legacy.” Whether you want to make sure your sister gets your home, your best friend inherits your dog or your favorite nonprofit carries on your values, a will or trust gives you the power to decide.

For more information and resources on creating the legal documents you need to protect yourself and your estate, visit LawDepot.

Last Updated: 2026