Being a single parent means carrying an enormous amount of responsibility every day. From school pickups to bedtime stories, you do it all—and you do it for your child. But one question many single parents avoid asking is this: What happens to my child if I’m not here tomorrow?

If you're raising a child on your own in Oklahoma, you need a plan that covers every detail of your family's future. Estate planning for single parents in Oklahoma means taking steps now to protect what matters most—your child, your home, and your wishes. It’s not an easy thing to think about. But it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your child’s future. That’s where estate planning for single parents comes in. At Titus Hillis Reynolds Love, we help single parents create solid legal plans that reflect their values, protect their children, and bring peace of mind.

What Is Estate Planning for Single Parents?

Estate planning for single parents is the legal process of making sure your child, your finances, and your wishes are protected if something happens to you. A basic estate plan includes several important legal documents: a will, a power of attorney, a healthcare directive, and possibly a trust.

For single parents, having a clear and legally sound plan is especially important. Unlike households with two legal parents, you may be the sole guardian, decision-maker, and financial provider. Without proper documents in place, courts may be forced to make choices about your child (and your assets) without your input. At Titus Hillis Reynolds Love, we understand the unique challenges of single parenting. That’s why we work closely with our clients to craft customized plans that ensure your child’s care and financial stability are never left to chance.

Why Is Single Parent Estate Planning So Important?

Single parents estate planning involves much more than dividing up property or writing a will. It’s about ensuring your child’s life can continue with as little disruption as possible if the unexpected occurs. You may be the only one who knows how the bills are paid, where important documents are kept, or who your child’s doctor is.

Without a proper estate plan, family members could struggle to access your accounts, manage household expenses, or care for your child in the way you would have wanted. A power of attorney and healthcare proxy allows someone you trust to step in and make decisions without delays or court battles. Titus Hillis Reynolds Love is here to help single parents through this critical process with care, empathy, and precision. Our team ensures your wishes are honored and your child is protected every step of the way.

Who Will Care for My Child If I’m Gone?

One of the hardest questions for any single parent to answer is: who would care for my child if I passed away? Fortunately, you don’t have to leave this decision to chance. You can legally name a guardian in your will—someone you trust to raise your child and keep them safe.

Without a named guardian, the court will decide who takes over that role. This person may not share your values, parenting style, or connection with your child. By naming a guardian through a legal will, you control this deeply personal decision. We help you think through all the factors—family dynamics, stability, shared values—so you can make the best choice for your child. Our knowledgeable estate planning attorneys will guide you in writing a will that leaves no doubt about your wishes.

How Can I Protect My Home and Finances?

If you’re a single parent who owns a home, you may want your child to continue living there. But if something happens to you, no one may have immediate access to your bank accounts to cover the mortgage, utilities, or other bills.

That’s where estate planning for single parents can make a big difference. A financial power of attorney allows someone you trust to access and manage your money if you become incapacitated or pass away. You can also name beneficiaries on your life insurance or retirement accounts—but keep in mind that minors cannot legally manage those funds. That’s why many clients at Titus Hillis Reynolds Love choose to create a trust, which provides greater protection, flexibility, and peace of mind.

Should I Create a Trust?

Yes—setting up a trust is one of the smartest strategies in single parents estate planning. A trust allows you to place assets (like your home, savings, or life insurance benefits) into a legal structure while still maintaining control during your lifetime. After your death, the assets are managed by someone you choose (the trustee) for the benefit of your child.

This avoids the probate process and gives you control over how and when money is distributed. For example, you can specify that funds should be used for education, housing, or healthcare—and that they be distributed in stages as your child reaches certain milestones. We regularly help single parents set up living trusts that reflect their wishes and support their children’s long-term security. Even if your child is close to adulthood, a trust ensures that inherited money is used wisely and responsibly.

What Happens If I Don’t Have a Will?

If you die without a will in Oklahoma, state law takes over. That means the court—not you—decides who raises your child and how your property is divided. This can create confusion, conflict, and unnecessary delays during an already difficult time.

With a valid will, you take control. You name an executor to handle your estate, choose a guardian for your child, and make sure your belongings go to the right people. A will also allows you to express your wishes clearly and reduce the likelihood of legal disputes. Titus Hillis Reynolds Love can help you draft a legally sound will that gives your loved ones clarity and direction, taking the time to explain every detail and ensuring nothing is overlooked.

How Can I Be Sure My Wishes Are Followed?

It’s not enough to write down your wishes—you also need to make sure they’re legally enforceable. That’s why single parents estate planning should include more than just a will. A full plan includes powers of attorney, healthcare directives, beneficiary designations, and sometimes a letter of intent.

A letter of intent is not legally binding, but it gives your guardian or trustee insight into your values, your child’s routines, and any personal hopes you want to share. It can be a powerful way to preserve your voice and keep your child connected to your guidance, even if you're gone. Titus Hillis Reynolds Love helps clients create complete, detailed plans that leave nothing to chance. Your child deserves stability, and you deserve peace of mind knowing your instructions will be honored.

What If My Life Changes?

Your life will change—and your estate plan should change with it. Maybe you’ll get remarried, change jobs, move to a new state, or your child will reach adulthood. These changes can affect your plan and how your assets are distributed.

At Titus Hillis Reynolds Love, we recommend reviewing your estate plan every few years—or any time there’s a major life change. Keeping your plan current ensures that your wishes stay relevant and your family remains protected no matter what the future holds.

What to Know About Estate Planning for Single Parents

If you’re just beginning this journey, you might be wondering what to know about estate planning for single parents. The truth is, it’s not just about dividing property or picking a guardian—it’s about creating a stable, secure future for your child, no matter what happens.

The legal team at Titus Hillis Reynolds Love has extensive experience helping Oklahoma families through this process. We’ll make sure nothing gets missed and that your plan is strong enough to stand the test of time.

Ready to Start Single Parents Estate Planning? Contact Titus Hillis Today

Single parents estate planning is one of the most important things you can do for your child. It’s more than legal paperwork—it’s an act of love, care, and protection. You’ve worked hard to build a life for your child. Now it’s time to make sure that life is secure, no matter what.

Let Titus Hillis Reynolds Love help you take the next step. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team is ready to support you in building a thoughtful, complete estate plan that brings peace of mind today and protection for tomorrow.