Practical examples of simple last will and testament examples for singles

Real-life examples of simple last will and testament examples for singles

Instead of starting with theory, let’s jump straight into everyday scenarios. Seeing examples of simple last will and testament examples for singles makes the whole process feel less intimidating and more like filling in a very personal, very important form.

Below are several realistic stories. They’re not meant as legal advice, but as patterns you can adapt. Laws vary by state and country, so always check your local rules or talk to a lawyer or qualified legal service before signing anything.

Example of a simple will for a single renter with no kids

Meet Jordan, age 29. No kids, no house, no big investments. Just a checking account, a savings account, some furniture, a car, and a growing collection of guitars.

Jordan’s simple will might say, in plain language:

• A trusted friend, Alex, is the executor (the person who handles everything after death).
• All bank accounts go to Jordan’s sister.
• The car goes to Jordan’s cousin who needs reliable transportation.
• The guitars go to a bandmate who actually plays them.
• Anything left over goes to the sister.

This is one of the best examples of how a will for a single person can be short but still clear. Jordan doesn’t need complicated trusts or pages of legalese. Just specific gifts and one main beneficiary for the rest.

Example of a simple will for a single homeowner with siblings

Now picture Taylor, 37, single and owning a small condo. No children, but very close to two siblings.

Taylor’s simple last will and testament might:

• Name a sibling as executor.
• Direct the executor to sell the condo and split the proceeds 50/50 between both siblings.
• Leave personal items like jewelry, artwork, and family photos to be divided as the siblings agree, with a backup rule that the executor decides if they can’t agree.
• Name both siblings as equal beneficiaries of any retirement accounts if those accounts don’t already have beneficiary forms on file.

In practice, Taylor should also update beneficiary designations on retirement and life insurance accounts, because those forms usually override the will. The examples of simple last will and testament examples for singles often highlight this point: the will is only one piece of the puzzle.

For more about how wills and property work in the U.S., the American Bar Association offers helpful overviews: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/real_property_trust_estate/resources/estate_planning/

Example of a simple will for a single parent

Single parents often worry the most about what happens if they’re not around. Let’s look at Morgan, 33, single with one 7-year-old child.

Morgan’s simple will might:

• Name a trusted adult as guardian of the child.
• Name a separate person as the executor to manage the money.
• Leave all property to the child, but held in a basic trust until age 25, with the guardian or another trusted adult as trustee.
• Say that money can be used for the child’s health, education, and support until they reach the specified age.

This is one of the best examples of simple last will and testament examples for singles who are parents. Even if Morgan doesn’t have much money today, the will can control life insurance payouts and future assets.

For more background on guardianship and planning for kids, the U.S. government’s benefits site is a good starting point: https://www.usa.gov/disability-financial-support (it’s not will-specific, but it helps you think about long-term care and support).

Example of a simple will for a single person with pets

Pets are family, even if the law still treats them as property. Take Sam, 42, single with two cats and no children.

Sam’s simple will might say:

• The executor is a responsible cousin.
• The cats go to Sam’s close friend who already loves them and has agreed to take them.
• A small cash gift (say, $3,000) goes to that friend specifically for the cats’ care.
• The rest of Sam’s property goes to a favorite animal rescue organization.

This kind of scenario is one of the most common examples of simple last will and testament examples for singles with pets. It doesn’t involve a formal pet trust in every state, but it clearly states who should get the animals and provides money for their care.

If you’re thinking about pet care, the ASPCA has guidance on planning for your pet’s future: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-planning

Example of a simple will for a single person with student loans and debt

A lot of singles worry, “Do I need a will if I have more debt than assets?” Let’s look at Riley, 31, single, renting, with federal student loans and a car loan.

Riley’s situation is a good example of simple last will and testament examples for singles who feel “broke” on paper:

• Riley still names an executor, so someone has legal authority to cancel subscriptions, close accounts, and handle final bills.
• Any personal belongings (electronics, furniture, collectibles) are left to a sibling.
• A small savings account goes equally to both parents.

Most federal student loans are discharged upon death, according to the U.S. Department of Education: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/death

So even if Riley’s estate doesn’t have enough to pay every bill, the will still matters. It guides what happens to personal items and any small assets that do exist.

Example of a simple will for a single person with digital assets

Digital life is a big topic in 2024–2025. Think about Logan, 35, single, who has:

• Several social media accounts
• A small but growing YouTube channel
• Crypto in an online wallet
• A cloud drive full of important documents

Logan’s simple will could:

• Name an executor who is tech-savvy.
• Refer to a separate, secure list (not in the will itself) of passwords and accounts.
• Leave the crypto and any online business income to a sibling.
• Ask the executor to close or memorialize social media accounts.

This is one of the more modern examples of simple last will and testament examples for singles. The will itself doesn’t list passwords—that’s a security risk—but it can name a “digital executor” or simply authorize the main executor to manage digital property.

The Federal Trade Commission offers general guidance on digital privacy and accounts that’s helpful when thinking about this: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/

Example of a simple will for a single person with charity goals

Finally, consider Avery, 55, single, no children, and very involved with a local food bank and a medical research charity.

Avery’s simple will might:

• Name a trusted friend as executor.
• Leave personal belongings to a niece and nephew.
• Direct that 40% of the estate go to the food bank and 60% go to a cancer research charity.
• Include the charities’ full legal names and addresses to avoid confusion.

Charitable gifts like this are common in examples of simple last will and testament examples for singles later in life. There’s no complicated legal structure here—just clear instructions that reflect personal values.

Key parts most simple wills for singles have in common

Even though these examples of simple last will and testament examples for singles look different on the surface, they usually share a few building blocks:

• An executor: the person you trust to handle everything.
• Beneficiaries: the people or organizations who inherit your property.
• Specific gifts: items or amounts of money you want certain people to receive.
• A “residuary” clause: a line that says who gets “everything else” that isn’t specifically listed.
• Guardianship language if you have minor children.
• Signature and witnesses, following your state’s rules.

In many U.S. states, you also need:

• Two adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries.
• A signed and dated will.
• Sometimes a notarized “self-proving affidavit” to make probate easier.

Because rules vary, it’s wise to check your state’s laws or talk to a local attorney. Many state court systems publish basic guidance on wills and probate on their .gov websites.

2024–2025 trends affecting simple wills for singles

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy anymore. Recent trends are pushing more single people to write simple wills earlier:

• More digital assets: From crypto to online shops and influencer income, more value now lives online. That’s why recent examples of simple last will and testament examples for singles almost always mention digital property.
• Remote and online notarization: Some U.S. states now allow remote notarization, making it easier to sign and store wills without a traditional office visit. Always confirm what’s allowed in your state.
• Higher student debt and renting longer: Many singles rent well into their 30s and 40s and carry student loans. Even if your net worth isn’t huge, you still have personal property, accounts, and decisions someone has to make.
• Blended and chosen families: More people rely on close friends or partners they’re not married to. Without a will, those people often get nothing under default inheritance laws.

These trends make simple, well-written wills more common and more important for single adults.

How to adapt these examples of simple last will and testament examples for singles

Reading through these scenarios, you might recognize yourself in one or two of them. To turn these real examples into your own document, you can:

• Start by listing your people: Who do you trust to be executor? Who do you want to inherit?
• List your stuff: Bank accounts, car, house or lease, retirement accounts, digital assets, pets, personal items.
• Match people to property: Decide who should get what, and who should get everything else.
• Check your beneficiary forms: Retirement accounts and life insurance usually pass outside the will, so those forms need to match your wishes.
• Talk to someone qualified: Even for a simple will, a short consultation with a lawyer or a reputable legal aid clinic can help you avoid mistakes.

If money is tight, consider checking whether your local legal aid organization, law school clinic, or bar association offers low-cost or free estate planning help.

FAQ about examples of simple last will and testament examples for singles

What are some common examples of simple last will and testament examples for singles?

Common examples include a single renter leaving everything to one sibling, a single homeowner splitting the value of a house between siblings, a single parent naming a guardian and leaving assets in trust for a child, a pet owner naming a caretaker and leaving money for pet care, and a single person naming a charity to receive any remaining assets.

Can I write a simple will myself using these examples?

You can often draft a basic will on your own, especially if your situation is straightforward. Using these examples of simple last will and testament examples for singles as a guide can help you think through the key decisions. But you still need to follow your state’s formalities for signing and witnessing. If you own a home, have a business, or expect family conflict, talking to a lawyer is strongly recommended.

Do I need a lawyer if I only have a small amount of money?

Not necessarily, but it can help. Many single people with modest assets use self-help forms or online tools and then pay a lawyer for a quick review. The value isn’t just in the money you have today; it’s in making sure what you do have goes where you want and that someone you trust is in charge.

What is an example of something people forget to include in a simple will?

A very common example of something people forget is digital access: who can manage your email, cloud storage, or social media accounts. Another frequent oversight is failing to update beneficiary forms on retirement accounts and life insurance after major life changes like breakups or deaths in the family.

If I’m single with no kids, do I really need a will?

If you care who gets your property, who handles your accounts, and who makes final decisions, then yes, a will still matters. Without one, state law decides who inherits, usually starting with parents or siblings. These examples of simple last will and testament examples for singles show how even small estates benefit from clear instructions.

How often should I update a simple will?

A good rule of thumb is to review your will every few years, or after major life events like buying a home, starting a business, a big move, a serious relationship change, or a significant change in your finances. Updating a simple will is usually much easier than writing the first one.

Seeing these real-world examples of simple last will and testament examples for singles is meant to do two things: show you that you’re not alone in your situation, and prove that writing a will doesn’t have to be complicated or scary. With a bit of thought and the right guidance, you can put your wishes on paper and give your future self—and the people you care about—a little peace of mind.