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Do I need a will if I own almost nothing?

Nolo Nolo
Need Professional Help? Talk to an Estate Planning Attorney.

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Question:

I'm a 30-year-old single woman and I don't have much to my name. I live in a rented apartment and have some meager savings. I have no children. Do I need to write a will?

Answer:

If we were living 150 years ago, by now you would have not only written a will, but chosen a carved tombstone (preferably with an angel on top) and had your portrait done in miniature so that your mourners could wear it around their necks.

Now that fewer of us are going around with consumptive coughs, however, people tend not to think about the prospect of an early demise -- and many go without a will. You too can choose that route, if you're happy with having your state's law dictate where your possessions would go. Most state laws give everything to the dearly departed's parents or other close relatives.

If, however, you want your pet iguana and your snow globe collection to go to someone other than mom and dad, writing a will might be a good idea. Also think about the items you hoped mom and dad would never see -- those journals from when you were 14 years old, for example. And even your little pot of savings might make a nice gift to a close friend or charity.

Also, in your will, you can designate who will be your executor, the person with authority to make sure that all your possessions end up in the right hands.

If you decide not to write a will now, be sure to revisit the issue as your circumstances evolve. If you have children, accumulate more property, develop health problems, or just reach a later stage in life, your estate planning needs will change. If you think it might be time to make your will, start by reading The Simple Will: No Frills, No Fuss, No Anxiety.

Ready to create your will?

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By clicking "Find a Lawyer", you agree to the Martindale-Nolo Texting Terms. Martindale-Nolo and up to 5 participating attorneys may contact you on the number you provided for marketing purposes, discuss available services, etc. Messages may be sent using pre-recorded messages, auto-dialer or other automated technology. You are not required to provide consent as a condition of service. Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Any information sent through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

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