Estate planning for partners without children is a chance to craft a legacy that reflects your values, protects your partner, and honors the people and causes you cherish. Without direct heirs, couples must decide who will inherit their assets, how to handle incapacity, who will manage their estate, and how to provide for each other’s financial security. By creating wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations, you gain control over your property.

Reviewing documents, maximizing annual gifts, leveraging charitable giving strategies, staying current on retirement account rules, addressing digital assets and transparency obligations, assessing insurance needs and communicating with family—all of these steps help maintain control over your legacy. As December approaches, take time to consult your attorney, accountant and financial advisor to confirm which of these actions apply to your situation.

By thoughtfully selecting decision makers, crafting wills and trusts that reflect your wishes, planning for pets and personal treasures, preparing for long-term care, choosing fiduciaries wisely, and building a supportive network, you ensure that your voice is heard even if you cannot speak. Most importantly, you relieve your loved ones from guessing or facing court-imposed solutions. Starting early and staying proactive gives you the peace of mind that you have a plan that k