What if no sanyasin has died in my family — should I still observe Dwadashi Shradh?

If no ancestor in your family took sanyas (renunciation), you do not need to specifically observe Dwadashi Shradh unless an ancestor died on Dwadashi tithi. This day is primarily for two categories: (1) ancestors who passed away on Dwadashi tithi regardless of their life status, and (2) ancestors who were sanyasins or vanaprasthis (those who renounced worldly life). If neither applies, you can skip this day and focus on the tithi day that matches your ancestor’s date of death, or observe Sarva Pitru Amavasya instead.