Estate planning is a process that allows you to outline where your assets will be distributed upon your death. If you’re unmarried and have no children or other obvious heirs, you may believe there’s no need to name beneficiaries in your will. But unless you want the state determining who receives your assets, you’ll have to designate heirs in the will. If you’re unsure of who to name, here are a few suggestions.

Who You Can Name in Your Will Other Than Spouses or Children 

1. Other Relatives

If you have a close relationship with a sibling, niece, nephew, or cousin, consider leaving what you have to one of them. While there’s a chance intestacy law may distribute your estate to one of these blood relatives, it will have to go through the probate process first. And there’s no way to know for sure that they’ll inherit anything unless you specifically name them as a beneficiary. 

2. A Close Friend

You don’t have to name a blood relative or spouse as a beneficiary in an estate planning document. Perhaps you have a close friend who could benefit from inheriting some or all of your assets, or another important individual in your life, such as a child of a friend. You can also express how much they meant to you by leaving a note to them in the will.

3. A Charity

Many estate planning experts agree that turning your estate into a charitable gift is one of the best ways to distribute it if you have no heirs. Whether it be the ASPCA, a homeless shelter, or your local place of worship, you’ll know your funds are being used for a good cause. Plus, when you name an organization as a beneficiary, it receives the donation tax-free. You can leave your entire estate to one organization, choose a few to name as beneficiaries of funds like life insurance policies and IRA accounts, or donate a portion to a charity and the rest elsewhere.

For more help with estate planning and naming beneficiaries, contact the seasoned legal team at Hawaii Convey in Honolulu. With more than 30 years of experience, this law office helps clients create key documents such as wills, advance medical directives, and revocable living trusts, ensuring assets go to designated beneficiaries and all final wishes are honored. Visit the firm’s website to learn more about their services, or call (808) 792-8777 to schedule a consultation.