Estate Planning – Because Even Your Dog Shouldn’t Inherit Your Debt

We get it. Thinking about your will isn’t exactly something that’ll make you the life of the party. It’s right up there with doing your taxes or listening to your great aunt’s conspiracy theories about the moon landing. But hear us out—estate planning isn’t all doom and gloom. In fact, it can be surprisingly...fun? Okay, maybe not “fun,” but at least it can be a little bit more entertaining than you thought. Let’s talk about why you definitely want to get your estate planning in order. Spoiler alert: It’s not just for your house, car, or the mountain of coffee mugs you’ve accumulated from every hotel stay.

1. You Don’t Want Your Dog to Inherit Your Debt

Sure, Fluffy’s adorable, but she’s not exactly qualified to manage a 401(k). If you don’t make an estate plan, your beloved pup (or parrot, hamster, or goldfish) might end up being named the beneficiary of your estate. They may look cute in a bowtie, but they’re not signing off on your car loans anytime soon. If you want your furry friend to get a trust fund instead of the burden of your student loans, you better get to work on a proper estate plan.

Fun Fact:

In 2000, Leona Helmsley, a New York hotelier, famously left $12 million to her dog, Trouble. That’s a lot of kibble—though, unfortunately, Trouble wasn’t able to spend it on anything other than dog-sitting services and a lavish lifestyle. (Note: Her estate also left a portion to her family, though they had to go through a few legal hoops to prove that they could handle the funds responsibly.)

Pro Tip:

You can actually leave money to your pets in a trust! Just make sure someone is around to feed them and maybe teach them how to use that inheritance responsibly (like hiring a financial planner… for the dog). The money will go to the caretaker if your pet doesn’t survive you.

1. Because Someone’s Going to Get Your Stuff… Might As Well Be the Right Someone

Everyone’s got that one item in their home that could start a family feud if it’s not properly assigned. Maybe it’s the vintage guitar from your rock-and-roll youth, the antique silver spoon collection you’ve never used, or that perfectly preserved “My Little Pony” set that you’ve kept in mint condition. Without a proper estate plan, your stuff could end up in the hands of someone who has zero appreciation for it. Imagine your cousin Steve, who still thinks “adulting” means ordering pizza three times a week, getting your prized collection of fine wines. That could end in disaster.

Fact:

According to a survey by Caring.com, nearly 60% of Americans don’t have a will or any sort of estate plan in place. That’s a lot of people who risk leaving behind confusion—and potential chaos—about their possessions. Don’t be part of that 60%. Your stuff deserves better. A proper estate plan doesn’t just assign your assets; it assigns your legacy. Make sure you’re not leaving your great-grandfather’s watch in the hands of someone who’d probably sell it on eBay to fund their “business idea” for a mobile hotdog cart.

1. Avoid the “Who Gets the Kids?” Drama

Let’s be real—if something happened to you, someone would need to step in and take care of your children. But

who

? Maybe you have a brother who thinks a well-round meal is takeout pizza with meat AND veggies, or that cousin who once accidentally glued their hand to their face while “crafting.” You probably don’t want them running the show. Creating a guardianship plan is as essential as it gets. And no, it doesn’t have to be some soul-crushing task. Think of it as the ultimate “who gets the kids” reality show, where you, the parent, get to pick who makes it to the finals. Don’t leave it up to fate—or worse, to the state—who ends up caring for your little ones. You have the power to decide.

Fact:

The American Bar Association reports that around 1 in 4 parents have not designated a legal guardian for their children. Without that designation, a judge may make that decision on your behalf, potentially leading to months or years of court battles between family members over who should take care of your kids. Plan ahead and save everyone the drama.

1. Let’s Talk Taxes (We Promise Not to Bore You)

We know, we know—taxes are about as exciting as watching paint dry. But here’s the thing: Without proper estate planning, your loved ones could be stuck with a hefty tax bill after you’re gone. Nobody wants to be the family member who has to sell their childhood home to cover Uncle Sam’s share of the inheritance. With the right planning, you can reduce the tax burden on your heirs and make sure they get more than just a pile of paperwork to sort through. It’s important to consult a tax professional or CPA to prepare your taxes and assist you with any tax concerns you have.  Attorneys can draft legal documents but cannot provide tax advice.

Fun Fact:

The federal estate tax exemption is over $12 million in 2025, which means that if your estate is valued at less than that, your heirs won't have to pay estate taxes. But don’t get too excited—states like California, New York, and Illinois have their own estate or inheritance taxes that kick in at much lower thresholds. So, depending on where you live, your family might still be facing a hefty tax bill, even if the federal government won’t. The laws are always changing so the tax exemption may change. It’s important to stay informed of any tax or law changes.

Pro Tip:

There are cool tricks, like gifting, trusts, and other legal maneuverings that can help reduce those taxes. But you’ll need an estate planning attorney (like us!) to work out the details.

1. Because You’re Not Getting Any Younger (Sorry)

It’s a tough truth, but none of us are getting any younger. One day, you’re out here living your best life, and the next, you might be trying to find the best assisted living community that lets you keep your pet iguana. But you can’t let procrastination be your legacy.

Fact:

According to a survey from the National Institute on Aging, 70% of people aged 65 and older will need some form of long-term care in their lifetime. Whether that care comes in the form of in-home help or a nursing home, it’s wise to have a plan in place. Creating an estate plan now means you’ll have peace of mind later. Plus, it’ll save your family from the stress and confusion that comes with the whole “what would they have wanted?” discussion. Spoiler: They probably wanted you to stop arguing over who gets the fine china.

1. It’s Actually a Lot Easier Than You Think

Estate planning doesn’t have to be an intimidating, overwhelming task. We’re here to guide you through the process, and we promise it’s not all about legal jargon and fine print. It’s about making sure your wishes are honored, and your loved ones are taken care of. So, let’s get together and chat about your will, your healthcare directives, and any other fun (okay, not “fun,” but important) documents you need to get in order.

Fact:

On average, estate planning can cost can vary depending on the complexity of your estate. The peace of mind you get in return? Priceless.

Final Thought: You Can’t Take It With You… But You Can Make Sure It Doesn’t Go to the Wrong Person

Estate planning is one of those things you’ll be glad you did when the time comes—whether you’re 25 or 75. So go ahead, make the calls, and start sorting out your estate. And remember, if you’re worried about being buried with your collection of vintage action figures, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. At the end of the day, it’s not about preparing for your end; it’s about making sure that when your time does come, you leave your family with more than just a headache. A little planning goes a long way, and hey, it might even give you a good excuse to sit down and take a break from Netflix. So grab that coffee, dial up your estate planning attorney, and let’s get started. Your future self will thank you. And Fluffy will appreciate that trust fund.

Need Help?

Reach out today to start your estate plan. We promise, we’re way more fun than your tax return. So give us a call at 1 (844) My-EQUES, your dog will be glad you did.

Disclaimer:

The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided is not intended to create, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. You should not rely on this content as a substitute for professional legal advice. If you have any specific legal questions or concerns, please consult with a qualified attorney.