5 Legal Documents Every Single Parent in Florida Should Have

Being a single parent means wearing many hats—caregiver, provider, decision-maker, and protector. But when it comes to the legal side of protecting your family, many single parents in Florida feel uncertain about what they actually need.

The truth is, a few key legal documents can offer powerful peace of mind, ensuring your children are protected, your wishes are honored, and your finances are secure if something unexpected happens.

Here are the 5 most important legal documents for single parents in Florida—and why now is the best time to put them in place.

1. Last Will and Testament

A will is the cornerstone of any estate plan—especially for single parents. It allows you to:

• Designate a guardian for your minor children

• Distribute your property and assets

• Name an executor to carry out your wishes

Without a valid will, the Florida courts will make these decisions for you—and it may not reflect what you would have wanted.

Bonus Tip: If your children are young, pair your will with a testamentary trust to hold assets until they reach an appropriate age.

2. Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney (DPOA) allows someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated.

As a single parent, this ensures someone can:

• Pay your bills

• Access bank accounts

• Handle business or legal matters

• Care for your financial obligations on behalf of your children

This document avoids the need for a court-ordered guardianship and keeps decision-making in your control.

3. Designation of Preneed Guardian

Florida law allows you to name a preneed guardian for your children in advance—so if something happens to you, the court knows who you want to care for them.

This is especially critical for single parents. Without it, custody decisions could fall into dispute or be decided by a judge who doesn’t know your family situation.

We strongly recommend this document even if you have a will—it offers additional protection and speeds up the process in an emergency.

4. Healthcare Surrogate and Living Will

A healthcare surrogate allows someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you can’t speak for yourself. Your living will outlines what type of medical care or life-sustaining treatment you want (or don’t want) in serious situations.

Why this matters for single parents:

• Your chosen surrogate can make informed decisions aligned with your values

• It prevents your kids or other relatives from having to guess or disagree about your care

• It gives healthcare providers clear legal direction

Together, these documents protect your voice in healthcare—and reduce stress for your loved ones during already difficult times.

5. Temporary Guardianship Authorization

If you travel for work, are hospitalized, or face an emergency, this document allows a trusted adult—like a grandparent, sibling, or close friend—to temporarily care for your children.

It can cover:

• Medical treatment consent

• School decisions

• Day-to-day caregiving responsibilities

Temporary guardianship is not permanent and can be customized for short-term needs, but it's incredibly useful for single parents without a co-parent actively involved.

Bonus: Consider a Revocable Living Trust

While not required for every single parent, a revocable living trust offers:

• Probate avoidance (your assets pass directly to your kids or trustee)

• More control over how and when assets are distributed

• Greater privacy than a public will

• Built-in protection if your children are minors or have special needs

If you own property, have life insurance or investment accounts, or want a smoother process for your family, a trust may be worth considering.

Start with What Matters Most

You don’t have to tackle everything at once—but taking the first step today can make a world of difference tomorrow.

At Absolute Law Group, we help single parents across Florida create customized, affordable estate plans that offer real protection and real peace of mind. You’ll never get a one-size-fits-all approach here—just experienced legal guidance tailored to your family’s needs.

Let’s Help You Get It Done—Without the Stress

👉 Schedule a confidential consultationOr give us a call and ask about our single-parent estate planning package.

Because when you’re a single parent, making sure your children are cared for—no matter what—isn’t just important. It’s everything.