Legal Tea Episode 215. Current Trends - Estate Planning Without Kids
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Sep 23, 2025 Explore the unique estate planning challenges faced by childless Americans. Discover why this demographic is on the rise and the importance of having a will to prevent unintended asset distribution. Learn about incapacity planning, the role of trusts, and how to leave a meaningful legacy to family, friends, or charities. Gain insights on assembling a professional planning team and the nuances of choosing executors and trustees. Jenny shares personal reflections on navigating estate planning without kids.
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Childless Population Is Growing Fast
- A growing share of Americans are childless, with 16.5% aged 55+ and younger adults increasingly unlikely to have kids.
- This demographic shift creates distinct estate planning needs and accelerates demand for specialized strategies.
Intestacy Risks Without Planning
- Without children, intestacy laws may pass assets to distant or estranged relatives, or even to the state if no heirs exist.
- Childlessness heightens risk that assets go to unintended people unless you plan proactively.
Create Incapacity Documents First
- Do create incapacity documents: a durable financial power of attorney and healthcare directives appointing trusted agents.
- Choose agents you trust to manage banking, investments, taxes, and medical decisions if you cannot act.