单身人士更需要做财富传承规划 Why Single Individuals Need Estate Planning Even More
- The Shi Law Group 熙承律师事务所
- Oct 16, 2025
- 3 min read
很多人以为，遗产规划（Estate Planning）是已婚人士或有子女的家庭才需要做的事。事实上，单身人士更需要提前规划自己的财富传承。因为当你没有配偶、没有子女时，法律上的“默认继承人”可能根本不是你希望的人。
Many people assume that estate planning is only necessary for married couples or families with children. In reality, single individuals need estate planning even more. Without a spouse or direct descendants, the law decides who inherits your estate — and that person may not be who you would have chosen.
【问题解析 Problem Analysis】
在美国，如果一个人去世时没有遗嘱（Will），法律会按照州的“法定继承顺序”（Intestate Succession）来分配财产。对于单身人士来说，这个顺序通常是：
父母（如果健在）；
兄弟姐妹；
祖父母；
叔伯姑姨；
甚至是你从未见过的远房亲戚。
如果这些人都不存在或找不到，财产最终可能会被判归州政府所有（escheat to the state）。
In the U.S., when someone passes away without a will, their estate is distributed according to intestate succession laws. For single individuals, the order often goes:
Parents (if living);
Siblings;
Grandparents;
Uncles, aunts, and cousins;
Or even distant relatives you’ve never met.
If none of them can be located, the estate may escheat to the state — meaning it goes to the government.
【解决方案 Solution】
因此，如果您是单身人士，提前规划非常重要。以下是您可以采取的两种主要方式：
立遗嘱（Will）：写明您的财产应当如何分配。即便您没有配偶或子女，也可以选择将财产留给朋友、侄甥、或慈善机构。
设立信托（Trust）：信托不但可以让您明确指定受益人，还可以避免法院程序（probate），让财产更高效、更私密地传承给您希望的人或组织。
For single individuals, planning ahead is key. Here are two primary tools you can use:
Will – Specify exactly how your assets should be distributed. Even without a spouse or children, you can choose to leave your assets to friends, relatives, or charities.
Trust – A trust allows you to designate beneficiaries clearly while avoiding probate. It ensures your assets are distributed efficiently and privately, according to your wishes.
【风险提醒 Risk Reminder】
如果您什么都不做：
法律将决定您的继承人是谁，而那个人可能并非您希望的人；
法院可能需要花费数月甚至数年追踪继承人；
您的遗产可能会被征税、拖延，甚至流入政府手中。
If you do nothing:
The law, not you, decides who inherits your assets.
The probate court may spend months or years locating heirs.
Your estate could face unnecessary taxes, delays, or even revert to the state.
【律所小贴士 From The Shi Law Group】
我们常常提醒客户：单身不是不用规划，而是更要规划。因为没有“默认的配偶”或“法定的孩子”，您的每一项决定都更需要明确地写在文件里。一个简单的遗嘱或信托，就能让您在意的人真正受到保障。
At The Shi Law Group, we often remind clients that being single means planning is even more essential. Without a default spouse or child, your intentions need to be documented clearly. A properly drafted will or trust ensures your legacy is protected — and your loved ones are cared for as you intended.
【联系我们 Contact Us】
熙承律师事务所专注于家庭财富传承、遗产规划、信托、遗嘱、婚前协议与跨境资产规划等。我们为纽约州和新泽西州的华人家庭提供专业、细致且富有关怀的法律服务。若您在结婚、离婚或同居安排上有疑问，欢迎随时联系我们进行咨询与规划。
The Shi Law Group, PLLC focuses on family wealth transfer, estate planning, trusts, wills, prenuptial agreements, and cross-border asset planning. We provide professional, attentive, and compassionate legal services to Chinese families in New York and New Jersey. If you have questions about marriage, divorce, or cohabitation planning, please contact us for consultation.
📧 邮箱 Email: info@mshilaw.com
📞 电话 Phone: +1 (917) 720-6943
🏢 地址 Address: 500 Old Country Rd, Suite 302, Garden City, NY 11530
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To schedule a consultation, contact us by phone, email, or book through our website. We will arrange for an experienced attorney to speak with you.
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