Houston Pet Planning Attorneys
Comprehensive Pet Trust Assistance
When you think about estate and trust planning, your pets might not come to mind. However, what will happen to them if you die or become incapacitated? In this case, it is important for you to set up an estate plan detailing pet provisions beforehand. Many individuals consider their pets a part of their family, and you might share that same sentiment as well. Our Houston pet planning lawyers can help you include the pet provision of your estate plan to guarantee the safety and care of your animal for years to come.
Estate Planning for Pets in Houston: What to Know
The first step in estate planning for a pet is to think about your pet’s future. Many pet owners do not consider this factor at all when generating an estate plan, which puts their pet at risk after they die. When thinking about what to include in a pet provision in your estate plan, ask yourself questions such as:
- Who do I want to care for my pet when I pass?
- How will my beneficiary care for my pet?
- Does my pet have any specific needs, including health issues, dietary requirements, allergies etc. that will require special attention?
- If my pet passes, how should my beneficiary take care of its remains?
- Will part of my trust go to my pet to help pay for care?
It should be noted that if there is no mention in your estate detailing who will inherit your pet, the pet might be handed off to a local animal shelter should you pass away or become incapacitated. If your pet does not get adopted, it might be taken to a kill shelter. Avoid this by including a comprehensive pet provision in your estate plan.
Do I Really Need a Pet Provision in My Estate Plan?
If you do not include a pet provision in your estate plan, the state of Texas will either send your pet to a local animal shelter or decide who will be its new guardian through what is known as intestate succession. This law gives the state of Texas permission to decide who will inherit your property if you do not have a will in place.
Additionally, Texas property law notes that “trust funds may be applied to a use other than the property’s intended use under the trust to the extent the court determines that the value of the trust property exceeds the amount required for the intended use.” What this means is that one of your heirs can technically challenge you if you leave a decent amount of money behind for your pet on the grounds that the pet does not realistically need that much money. If you do not want anyone challenging how you wish your pet to be taken care of without you, set up a pet provision.
Pet Planning Attorneys Can Help
Pet planning is still new in the state of Texas. If you need assistance figuring out how to include a pet provision in your estate, contact an experienced pet planning lawyer. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC can help you add pet planning to your estate plan giving both you and your pet peace of mind for the future.
Call our firm at (281) 810-9760 or contact us online to learn more about our pet planning services today!
