Do You Need a Will in Your Twenties?

Overview: Your twenties may feel too early to think about estate planning, but life can change without warning. A will and other basic estate planning documents give you a voice if you cannot speak for yourself, protect the people you love, and make it easier to handle life’s most significant milestones. Starting now gives you a strong foundation that can grow and change with you over time.

There is a common misconception that wills and estate planning in general are for “older” people. That if you’re young, especially young and healthy, you don’t need a will, let alone an estate plan. Believing this, however, actually puts you and the people you love and who love you in a difficult position should you become incapacitated or pass away unexpectedly. 

The truth is, creating an estate plan is one of the best ways to find peace of mind so you can live your life to the fullest and enjoy all the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Here’s why. 

A Will Gives You a Voice When You Can No Longer Speak

Many people in their twenties assume their belongings are too modest to justify creating a will. A will allows you to decide who receives your belongings, whether that’s a car, savings account, sentimental family heirlooms, or even your pet. Without one, Washington law dictates who inherits your assets, and those decisions may not reflect your wishes.

A will also makes life easier for the people you leave behind. During an already emotional time, your loved ones receive clear guidance rather than unanswered questions that lead to disagreements. 

If you’ve recently started a career, purchased a home, or accumulated any retirement savings through an employer, those assets are worthy of thoughtful planning. The same goes for your digital assets, including cryptocurrency, as well as your digital presence. Creating a will in your twenties gives you the opportunity to make your own choices instead of leaving them to a Washington court.

Estate Planning Protects You During Your Lifetime

Estate planning also prepares for the possibility that you become seriously ill or injured and cannot make decisions for yourself. While no one likes to imagine that scenario, accidents and unexpected illnesses can happen at any age.

Documents such as a durable power of attorney and an advance healthcare directive allow you to choose who can manage your finances and make medical decisions if you cannot. Without these documents, your family may have to go through a lengthy and expensive court process before they can help you. 

Having these forms in place, along with a HIPAA authorization so that your loved ones can access confidential medical information, offers answers during a stressful time, allowing them to focus on your care instead of legal paperwork or worse, a legal fight.

Your Twenties Bring Big Life Changes

Your twenties often bring major milestones. College graduation, the start of a career, moving in with a partner, buying a first car or home, getting married, and having a child are all life events common to this decade, with each affecting your financial and personal life. An estate plan can account for each of these milestones, providing you and your loved ones with peace of mind that the people and assets in your life will be protected. 

But what happens if the situation changes, you ask? Your estate plan isn’t written in stone. It can grow and change with you. The advantage of creating an estate plan now is that it gives you a starting point to make updates as your life evolves, helping you stay prepared wherever it takes you. 

Creating an Estate Plan Is Easier and Less Costly Than You Think

Many young adults spend time and money planning vacations, careers, and financial goals, but never stop to consider what would happen if their life didn’t go according to plan. Or, even if they do consider it, they dismiss the thought because going to the trouble or spending the money is unappealing. 

The thing is, creating an estate plan is faster, simpler, and more affordable than people generally expect, especially when your situation is straightforward. Once your plan is complete, you can return your attention to building your career, exploring Seattle and all that Washington state has to offer, and enjoying your life. Except now you’ll be able to do so with greater confidence because you’ve taken an important step toward protecting yourself and the people you love.

Speak to a Seattle Estate Planning Lawyer to Create Your First Estate Plan in Adulthood

Your twenties are an exciting time in life. With so much to look forward to and plan for, it can feel like a downer to think about what would happen if realizing your dreams became impossible. However, that’s only one way to look at estate planning. Another is to view estate planning as a means of finding peace of mind. Peace of mind that lets your focus stay on the positive, namely making the most of the days, opportunities, and life you have before you. 

At Elise Buie Family Law, our team of Seattle estate planning attorneys has extensive experience with creating estate plans for people of all ages and updating them as their lives progress. We regularly help young professionals, newly married couples, and first-time homeowners in the Seattle area and throughout Washington state create estate plans that fit their stage of life. Call us today or schedule a convenient time to speak.   

FAQs About Creating a Will and Estate Plan in Your Twenties

Do I need a will if I’m in my twenties and don’t own much?

Yes. A will isn’t just for people with significant wealth. A will allows you to choose who will receive your belongings, who will care for your pets, and how your affairs will be handled, rather than leaving those decisions to Washington law.

What estate planning documents should someone in their twenties have?

A basic estate plan often includes a will, a durable power of attorney (one for healthcare and one for finances), an advance healthcare directive, and a HIPAA authorization. Together, these documents allow trusted people to make financial and medical decisions if you become unable to do so yourself.

What happens if I don’t have an estate plan?

Without an estate plan, Washington law determines who inherits your assets after your death. If you become incapacitated without powers of attorney or healthcare directives, your loved ones may need to go through the Washington courts before they can make decisions on your behalf.

Should I create an estate plan if I’m single and don’t have children?

Yes. Estate planning benefits adults at every stage of life, whether you’re single, in a relationship, married, or divorced. It allows you to choose who will make decisions for you if you’re incapacitated and who will receive your property after your death.

How often should I update my estate plan?

You should review your estate plan every three to five years or whenever you experience a major life change, such as getting married or divorced, buying a home, having children, changing jobs, or acquiring significant assets. Regular reviews help your documents continue to reflect your wishes.

Is estate planning expensive for young adults?

For many people in their twenties, creating an estate plan is simpler and more affordable than they expect because their finances are often less complex. Planning early can also help your loved ones avoid unnecessary legal expenses in the future.

Why should I work with a Seattle estate planning lawyer?

An experienced Seattle estate planning lawyer can recommend documents that fit your circumstances, explain how Washington law affects your plan, and help you create an estate plan that can be updated as your life changes.