• Bio

Manya Deva Natan

Manya Deva Natan is a California Bar Certified attorney with the law firm of SSS Legal & Consultancy Services located in Calabasas, CA. Her practice focuses on International Estates, Trusts and Estates, Asset Protection, Trust Administration, and more. Manya received her law degree from Stanford University, as well as a Master's in International Affairs from Columbia University. She has completed extensive course-work and training in the areas of mental, physical, and emotional health, including being a published author. She is the founder of two publishing-based companies related to health and wellness and has particular interest in the legal and financial components of health and their importance in integrated health. She has appeared multiple times on Good Morning America and is regularly contacted by national media outlets for commentary.

Anytime someone loses a spouse, it is important that the surviving spouse’s estate plan be revisited. As it turns out, widows often need something different than widowers.

Studies suggest that single women are more likely to have financial difficulties than single men. This means that a widow’s estate plan generally needs to be more flexible than a man’s just in case the widow does experience financial issues in the future.

While estate planning for widows is often difficult, it is not impossible.

The Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog published a list of planning tips for widows in an article titled “Planning Tips For Widows.”

The list includes:

• Wait at least six months after a widow’s spouse passes away to allow proper time for mourning.
• Financial accounts should be easy to access and flexible.
• Immediate needs should be addressed before any financial or estate planning.
• Do not be afraid to seek professional services such as counseling if needed.

If any widows need help reevaluating their estate plans, they should seek the counsel of an experienced attorney.