Real Simple explains what singles need to know about estate planning, according to experts.

“Everyone needs a financial plan, and everyone also needs an estate plan,” says Amy Richardson, a certified financial planner with Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium. And yes, that includes singles without obvious heirs—i.e., kids of your own. Of course, the cornerstone of any estate plan is a will, which at its core is a document aimed at outlining how you would like your life on earth to be closed out.”