Why Estate Planning Is Essential for Single Parents in Georgia
For single parents, estate planning is personal. And heavy. You’re not just thinking about paperwork. You’re thinking about what happens if you’re not there. You’re thinking about your kids. Their lives. Their future.
It’s not an easy thing to sit down and do, but it might be the most important decision you make as a parent.
If you don’t leave a plan behind, the court steps in. They’ll decide who raises your children. Who controls their inheritance. How decisions get made in your absence. That process doesn’t always reflect your values—or what your children need.
Here’s what every single parent in Georgia should have in place:
1. Name a guardian
You know your kids better than anyone. You know who they trust. Who would step up. Who wouldn’t. That’s why this decision should come from you—not the court.
The person you name doesn’t have to be a family member. Close friends can be great choices too. What matters is that they’re dependable, emotionally steady, and willing to give your children a safe, loving home. You should also name backups. Because life is unpredictable, and your first choice may not be available when the time comes.
2. Set up powers of attorney
Not all emergencies involve death. Illness. Injury. Hospital stays. These can leave you unable to speak or act on your own behalf. While you recover, someone else needs the legal right to handle things.
That means having both:
• A healthcare power of attorney, who makes medical decisions based on your values
• A financial power of attorney, who pays bills, manages your accounts, and keeps life moving for your children
Without these documents, your family may end up stuck—waiting on court approval while your kids are caught in the middle.
3. Keep your plan updated
Children grow. People change. Someone you trusted five years ago may not be the right fit today. That’s why your estate plan should be reviewed regularly. Major life events—new relationships, a move, a change in health—should always trigger a second look.
Your plan only works if it reflects where life is now.
At Fletcher Estate Planning, we work with single parents across Georgia to build estate plans that are practical, protective, and personal. Whether you’re just getting started or need to update something old, we’re here to help you put the right pieces in place.
Because your children deserve more than good intentions. They deserve certainty. And you deserve peace of mind.
