Why You Still Need a Will—Even If You Don’t Have Children
One of the most common things we hear from clients is:
“I don’t have kids, so I probably don’t need a will.”
It’s an understandable assumption—but it’s also one of the most dangerous misconceptions in estate planning.
In reality, having no children often makes a will, or trust, even more important, not less. Without one, Washington and Oregon law—not you—will decide what happens to your assets, who handles your affairs, and how your life’s work is distributed.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Will (or Trust)
When someone passes away without a will (called dying “intestate”), state law steps in with a preset formula. That formula does not consider:
- Long-term partners who aren’t legally married
- Close friends who feel like family
- Charities or causes you care deeply about
- Estranged relatives you may not wish to benefit
Instead, the law follows a rigid order of inheritance. In many cases, this means assets pass to distant relatives you may barely know—simply because they are legally next in line.
Even more concerning, the preset laws and the court will also decide:
- Who serves as the Personal Representative (Executor)
- How assets are distributed
- How disputes are resolved
This process can be time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining for those left behind.
A Will Is About Your Wishes, Not Just Children
A will allows you to clearly answer some of life’s most important questions:
- Who should be in charge of settling my estate?
- Who should receive my assets—and in what way?
- Are there personal items that carry sentimental meaning I want handled carefully?
- Are there charities or organizations I want to support?
Without a will, none of these decisions are made by you.
Common Situations Where a Will Is Essential
We often see individuals without children who:
- Have a long-term partner but are not married
- Want to leave assets to siblings, nieces, nephews, or friends
- Have an important person in their life with special circumstances or needs
- Own real estate or a business, especially if that ownership is joint with another
- Want to make charitable gifts
- Wish to avoid family conflict or confusion
A will provides clarity in each of these situations and reduces the likelihood of disputes.
Avoiding Conflict and Court Involvement
Even in families that get along well, the absence of a will can create tension. Loved ones may disagree about who should be in charge or how assets should be divided. Without written instructions, emotions and assumptions can quickly lead to conflict.
A properly drafted will:
- Names a trusted Personal Representative
- Provides clear instructions
- Reduces the likelihood of legal disputes
- Makes the probate process smoother and more efficient
This clarity is one of the greatest gifts you can give to those you leave behind.
A Will Is Often the Foundation
For many people, a will is the starting point—not the entire plan. Depending on your goals, a will may work alongside:
- Powers of attorney
- Health care directives
- Trusts
- Beneficiary designations
Together, these documents form a comprehensive estate plan that protects you during life and your wishes after death.
Your Life, Your Wishes
Estate planning is not about fitting into a traditional family structure. It’s about honoring your relationships, your values, and your intentions.
Even if you don’t have children, your life matters—and so do your wishes.
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we help individuals and families in Washington and Oregon create estate plans that reflect who they are, not just what the law assumes.
If you don’t yet have a will—or if yours hasn’t been reviewed in years—now is the time to take that step. The peace of mind it provides is invaluable. Schedule a consultation today.