Being a single parent means you carry the full weight of protecting your child’s future. One of the most effective ways to do that is through thoughtful trust planning. A trust gives you more control over how your assets are used, helps protect your child’s inheritance, and ensures your wishes are followed, especially when you’re not around to explain them yourself.
At Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C., we work with single parents throughout Southeastern Massachusetts to create estate plans that reflect their values and provide clear direction for the future.
Why Trusts Matter for Single Parents
When you’re the only legal or financial decision-maker for your child, it’s important to put clear structures in place. A trust allows you to leave money and property to your child in a protected way, rather than transferring everything outright when they turn 18.
With a trust, you can:
- Appoint someone you trust to manage the funds.
- Set guidelines on how and when money is used.
- Provide long-term support without giving a minor full access too soon.
Unlike a will alone, a trust can offer ongoing support and oversight—something that’s especially valuable when there’s no second parent to step in.
Choosing the Right Guardian and Trustee
A key part of trust planning is selecting the right people to carry out your wishes. The guardian is the person who will raise your child if something happens to you. The trustee is the one who will manage the money in the trust. Sometimes, it makes sense for these to be different people.
When choosing a trustee or guardian, consider:
- Are they responsible and financially stable?
- Do they share your values and parenting style?
- Will they be available long-term?
It’s also wise to name one or two backups in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve. Putting your decisions in writing avoids unnecessary court involvement and helps prevent confusion.
Protecting Your Child’s Inheritance
Without a trust, your child could inherit everything outright at 18, regardless of whether they’re ready to handle it. A trust allows you to build in safeguards and set expectations.
For example, you can:
- Delay full access until your child reaches a more mature age.
- Allow distributions for education, medical care, or other milestones.
- Keep assets in trust longer to protect against creditors or poor financial decisions.
We can help you design a plan that fits your child’s personality and your goals.
Planning for Minor Children’s Ongoing Needs
Trusts are flexible tools that can support your child throughout childhood and beyond. You can create a trust that pays for:
- Housing and basic living expenses.
- Extracurricular activities or special programs.
- Private school or college tuition.
These funds can be managed by someone you choose—someone you believe will act in your child’s best interest. You can also include instructions about what kinds of expenses are most important to you, so your child continues to benefit from your values even when you’re no longer there to guide them directly.
Integrating Trusts into a Broader Estate Plan
A trust is just one part of a strong estate plan. It should work alongside your will, health care proxy, and durable power of attorney. We also help you update the beneficiaries on your life insurance policies and retirement accounts so everything is aligned. Life changes fast when you’re raising kids. That’s why we encourage regular check-ins to make sure your plan still reflects your wishes.
Build a Stronger Future for Your Child
As a single parent, you’re already doing so much for your family. Trust planning gives you the tools to go one step further—offering long-term protection and guidance for your child, even when you can’t be there in person.
We’re here to help you create a plan that reflects your priorities, safeguards your assets, and secures your child’s future. Contact Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C. today to get started.