To Your Wealth: An estate solution for those without children
Last year, I attended a conference during which I had the opportunity to meet and interview Jay Zigmont, author of the book The Childfree Guide to Life and Money. I began following Jay’s work and, recognized the importance of addressing the specific financial and estate planning considerations for our clients who do not have children. Financial Service Group is pleased to support the recently launched Childfree Trust, founded by Jay. This annual membership-based estate solution provides resources and professionals that replace the role adult children often play and provides 24/7 emergency response and professional, fiduciary POA, executor, and trustee representation.
What is a childfree estate solution
Many estate plans are built on a general assumption: someone’s adult children will step in someday to serve as the successor trustee, healthcare advocate, person who pays the bills and who knows how Mom or Dad would want their financial and life affairs handled.
For childfree individuals and couples, that default plan can be a problem—because there may be no obvious “someone” to fill those roles.
That’s where a childfree trust estate solution can be a strong fit. This is a trust-centered plan intentionally designed for people without children (or without reliable/available children) to manage assets, and handle decision-making, and care as life evolves. Plans with involved adult children often rely on relationships. Childfree plans rely more on systems, professionals, and documentation.
The core elements of a childfree estate solution include a revocable living trust as the core estate instrument as well as a professional fiduciary (corporate trustee, professional trustee, or trust company) to serve as successor trustee. Additionally, it provides for clear instructions for incapacity, bill pay, property oversight, and distributions as well as coordinated durable power of attorney and healthcare directives.
A childfree estate solution can be particularly appropriate for childfree singles or couples who:
- want a reliable “default operator” if they’re incapacitated
- want a plan that still works after the first spouse dies
- have children who are unable/unwilling to serve in fiduciary roles (due to distance, conflict, incapacity, unreliability) or who have a “family of choice”—close friends who matter deeply, but shouldn’t be expected to take on complex trustee duties
- value professional management + clear guardrails over informal family administration
- have complex assets (multiple accounts, real estate, business interests, collectibles, aircraft, rental properties)
- have a desire for privacy and continuity (trust administration can be more private than probate in many states)
- may be at higher risk of cognitive decline or concern about financial exploitation
- possess a strong goal to direct wealth intentionally—often to siblings, nieces/nephews, friends, charities, or a mix
- wish to avoid placing the burden of managing money, property, and care on one person
Advantages of a childfree estate solution
- Provides for continuity during incapacity. If you can’t manage finances, someone can step in quickly—without court delays.
- Reduces the burden on friends and extended family. Your loved ones can remain supporters, not accountants and administrators.
- Professional competence. A qualified fiduciary handles deadlines, filings, distributions, and controls—which is especially valuable with complex estates.
- Lowers the risk of family conflict. Clear rules and neutral administration can reduce drama and second-guessing of actions and decisions.
- Facilitates your intentional legacy. It’s easier to plan for a mix of beneficiaries—charities, friends, siblings, and causes—without awkward “default heirs” assumptions.
A practical way to think about it
A Childfree trust solution is essentially a substitute for the adult-child safety net—built with professional administration, care planning, and accountability. For clients without children, I will be happy to work with you and your FSG advisor in sharing my perspectives on the newly launched Childfree Trust as well as other financial planning considerations for childfree singles or couples.
