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You’re single, and you don’t have an estate plan or even a will. Perhaps you think you don’t need either because you’re not wealthy and don’t have kids. Maybe you have a will but haven’t

assembled a complete estate plan. Or you’ve done nothing because you have no idea what to do or how to start. You’re not alone. A survey by Caring.com, a senior living referral service,

reports that only about 34 percent of Americans have an estate plan. Also, more than half — 55 percent — die without a will, reports the American Bar Association. Why? In the Caring.com

survey, 42 percent of respondents said they just hadn’t done it, and 35 percent said they felt they didn’t need an estate plan because they don’t have enough assets. Estate planning for

single people can be especially challenging. Couples often rely on each other for support with important life events, but singles need to find qualified people who are willing to help, says

Andy Baxley, a certified financial planner (CFP) at the Planning Center in Chicago. “Who is going to make medical and financial decisions for you if you are no longer able? Who is going to

settle your affairs for you after you pass? These are the types of questions estate planning seeks to answer, and they’re vital for people who don’t have a partner to accept those

responsibilities on their behalf.” That’s true whether you’ve never married or are divorced or widowed. If you have minor kids, you must also find someone who will look after them if you

can’t. Estate planning is crucial, whether you’re single or married, a parent or not, wealthy or not, Baxley says. “It’s an essential part of financial planning, and that goes for everyone.”

To make sure you complete the process, look for an accountability partner, says Brian Cody, a CFP at Cody Financial Advisors in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey. “This could be another person who’s

single or anyone who’s going to hold you accountable for having a workable estate plan. And don’t forget to reward yourself when it is done!” If you’re procrastinating because you don’t

know what to do, the following tips should help. 1. TAKE CONTROL What if you don’t leave clear instructions about your assets and other matters? The state will make decisions for you once

you’ve passed. And your family will suffer unnecessary stress as they mourn your loss. Passing without a will is known as dying intestate. Your assets will be distributed according to the

intestate succession laws in your state. If no relatives come forward to claim your property, the state receives your assets.