Aging is a universal experience, but the considerations can differ significantly depending on one’s personal circumstances. For single seniors – whether by choice, divorce, or the loss of a partner – estate planning comes with its own set of unique challenges and opportunities. If you find yourself in this demographic, here’s what you should focus on when planning your estate.
Focused Approach
Being single in your later years can come with increased independence but also adds a layer of responsibility. Unlike married couples or those with immediate family, single seniors often don’t have a built-in safety net to rely on for making important decisions, both financially and medically. This makes estate planning not just beneficial but essential.
Pick the Right Decision-Makers
One of the most critical aspects of estate planning for single seniors is identifying trustworthy individuals who can act on your behalf if you’re unable to. If you have a living trust, you will be the trustee, and you need to name a trusted individual or entity to succeed you.
You can also name a handpicked decision-maker in a durable power of attorney for property that would apply to property that is not held by the trust.
Health Care Directives: Your Voice in Medical Matters
Having advance directives for healthcare becomes all the more crucial. Single seniors should establish a living will to clearly state their end-of-life preferences and appoint a healthcare proxy for making medical decisions that are unrelated to life support.
Explore Housing Options Early
Many single seniors prefer to age in place, but it’s important to weigh this against practical considerations like safety and accessibility. In the absence of family members who can easily step in, it may be wise to look into assisted living facilities or co-housing options.
Asset Management and Distribution
Without a spouse or dependent children, you may have more freedom in how you distribute your assets, but that also means you’ll need to be more deliberate. Think about friends, extended family, and charitable organizations that are important to you.
Consider Long-Term Care
The cost of long-term care can be astronomical and even more so for single seniors who may not have a partner’s assets or insurance to fall back on. An elder law attorney from our firm can help you create a nursing home asset protection plan.
Don’t Forget Your Digital Assets
In today’s digital age, everyone has some form of online presence, whether it’s social media accounts or digital financial assets like cryptocurrencies. Make sure you designate someone to manage these assets upon your incapacity or death.
Professional Help Is Not Optional
Given the complexities involved, consulting with an estate planning attorney is imperative. We can guide you through the intricacies, ensuring that your assets are handled according to your wishes and that you’re well-prepared for any future incapacity.
In Conclusion
Being a single senior doesn’t mean you should take estate planning any less seriously. On the contrary, it demands a more strategic approach to ensure that you are well-taken care of in later years and that your legacy is handled just as you desire.
The freedom of being single comes with the responsibility to make considered choices about your future, and a well-crafted estate plan is the roadmap that will guide you there.
Schedule a Consultation Today!
As you can see, there are a lot of things to take into consideration if you are a senior without a strong familial support system. However, with the proper planning, you can make sure that you are preparing yourself for the future in the optimal manner.
And of course, if you are not in this position, we would be glad to help you develop a plan that is ideal for your unique circumstances. If you’re ready to get started, send us a message to request a consultation appointment at our Glastonbury or Westport, CT estate planning offices or call us at 860-548-1000.
Mr. Karpe is licensed to practice law before the courts of the States of Connecticut and Colorado, the U.S. District Court for Connecticut, the U.S.District Court for Colorado, the United States Supreme Court, and the U.S. Tax Court. He is a member of the Connecticut and Hartford County Bar Associations as well as the Estate and Probate Section of the Connecticut Bar Association. In addition, he is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Connecticut.
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