How to prepare for aging, ensuring dying wishes are fulfilled and oversee asset distribution if there are no children? A recent USA Today article, “More Americans are childless. It’s complicating estate planning,” notes that this is one of the biggest issues facing estate planning.

Most estate planning assumes there is a next of kin, but a growing number of Americans are childfree. Complicating matters, one survey found that only 19.9% of childfree adults have a will, compared with 32% of the general population. More than 70% of childfree adults surveyed said they hadn’t completed any legal planning documents at all. Many say they haven’t proceeded with estate planning because they don’t have a name to list on any of these documents.

This is a big mistake. Without a medical and financial POA, no one will know the person’s wishes if they become incapacitated or die. A stranger or the court will ultimately make personal health and financial decisions, and those decisions may not be what the person wanted.

Without an estate plan, estates can be subject to probate proceedings, which can consume as much as 10% of an estate’s value and take months or years to resolve.

Many childfree Americans have pets who, without prior planning, could easily end up being put into shelters or euthanized if no arrangements are made for their financial support and care.

What should childfree people do to protect themselves, pets and property? Start by identifying trusted people, relatives, or friends to oversee. Talk with them about the roles of executor, Power of Attorney and Trustee, and explain their responsibilities in the event of incapacity or death. Ensure that they are willing to take on these roles.

Naming a person who is close in age could be problematic if both people need help at the same time. Consider a young person, perhaps a niece or nephew, who might be a good candidate. There should always be a second, third and in some cases, fourth person named.

If no one meets the necessary criteria for trustworthiness and financial acumen, it may be necessary to engage a trust company that offers medical and financial POA services. This is where an estate planning attorney can help, as they typically have a broad network of professionals and firms that offer these services.

Since childfree people don’t have to worry about leaving an inheritance, they may not see the need for life or long-term care insurance. However, if there is a spouse or a partner, long-term care insurance and life insurance may provide a worthwhile financial cushion as the couple ages. Funerals are expensive, and burial insurance could be added to their protection.

Childfree singles and couples deserve the same protection as married parents when it comes to aging and controlling the distribution of their property. An appointment with an estate planning attorney is the best way to begin preparing for a secure future.

Reference: USA Today (Feb. 4, 2026) “More Americans are childless. It’s complicating estate planning”