Packsaddle Law PLLC

09/01/2026

Blended families are built with love, but when it comes to estate planning, good intentions alone may not protect everyone you love.

This week on the blog, I’m using a very famous stepfamily to explain the “Cinderella problem” and how thoughtful planning can help protect both a surviving spouse and children from a prior relationship.

Check the comments to read more.

08/28/2026

🐾 A will and a pet trust may have the same goal, but they don't offer the same protection.

Swipe to see the difference and why a little extra planning can make a big difference for the pets counting on you. 🐶🐱

🐰Then hop over to our blog (linked in comments) for more details.

08/28/2026

😾 The indignity.

Your cat may run the house, control your schedule, and have very strong opinions about dinner...but under Texas law, pets are considered property.

That creates an interesting estate planning problem: You can't simply leave money directly to your pet.

So how do you make sure your tiny household dictator continues receiving the care they've come to expect if something happens to you? 🐾

That's where a pet trust comes in.

This week on the blog, we're explaining how pet trusts work in Texas and how they can help protect the animals who depend on you. Link to our blog in post comments

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day! 🐶🐾 Drop a picture of your pets in the comments - we'd love to see them!

If our dogs could write their own estate plans, we're pretty sure they'd have a few non-negotiables: favorite treats, daily walks, continued couch privileges, and absolutely NO substitutions when it comes to dinner.

The funny thing is, a pet trust can actually address many of those details.

You can name the person who will care for your pet, set aside money for their needs, and leave instructions about everything from veterinary care and medications to food, grooming, and daily routines.

Because loving them today also means making a plan for their tomorrow. ❤️

08/25/2026

🐾 A $5 million trust for your dog might be a little over the top.

But making a plan for who will care for your pets if something happens to you? That makes a lot of sense.

Reports that Diane Keaton potentially left millions in trust for her beloved dog put an interesting spotlight on pet estate planning. While most pets probably don't need a multimillion-dollar inheritance, they do need someone to care for them, money for food and veterinary expenses, and a plan for what happens if their owner is no longer there.

Pet trusts aren't just for celebrities or the ultra-wealthy. They're a practical way to protect the animals who depend on us.

This article offers an interesting look at what pet owners should consider. 🐶🐱

Taking good care of your pets can include leaving clear directions to ensure their needs are met once you’re gone.

08/25/2026

🐾 Your dog may think they own the house. Your cat is absolutely certain they do.

But in Texas, pets are legally considered property, which means you can't simply leave money directly to them in your will.

That's where a pet trust comes in.

This week on the blog, we're talking about:
🐶 Who will care for your pet
💰 Who controls the money for their care
🩺 How vet bills and other expenses can be covered
🏡 What happens if you become incapacitated
🐾 And even what happens to leftover funds after your pet is gone

If they're part of your family, they should be part of your estate plan, too.

This week’s blog explains why simply leaving money to your pet doesn’t work… and we tell you what does!

Discover how to make sure your pets are taken care of - link in comments.

08/21/2026

When does “we’ll take care of that later” become too late?

When memory loss or cognitive decline enters the picture, families can discover that estate planning options they were counting on are no longer available.

🎥 Watch to learn why I encourage families to have these conversations before a health crisis forces the issue.

08/20/2026

Most people don't think about estate planning documents until something happens and they suddenly need them.

Unfortunately, that's sometimes too late.

A Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, Will, or Trust can only do its job if the right planning is in place at the right time. If illness or cognitive decline affects someone's legal capacity, some options that were once available may no longer be.

That's why estate planning isn't just about preparing for what happens after you die. It's also about making sure the people you trust can help you while you're still here if you can't manage things on your own.

👉 Swipe through for a few of the documents worth having in place before a crisis.

08/19/2026

“But I'm their spouse. Can't I just handle it for them?”

We hear versions of this question more often than you might think.

Marriage gives spouses many rights, but it doesn't automatically mean one spouse can step into the other's shoes for every financial or legal matter if that person becomes incapacitated.

That's where planning ahead becomes so important.

A properly prepared estate plan can give the people you trust the authority they may need to help you if you're unable to manage things yourself.

Without that planning, families can discover that being married isn't enough to get through every locked door.

08/18/2026

A diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s can bring a lot of uncertainty, including questions about what legal decisions a loved one can still make.

One thing families are often surprised to learn is that a diagnosis alone does not necessarily determine legal capacity.

Someone experiencing cognitive decline may still be able to make certain estate planning decisions if they understand what they are doing and the consequences of that decision. That’s why these situations need to be considered individually, and why it’s so important not to assume either that it’s already too late or that there will always be more time.

If you’re beginning to see changes in someone you love, sooner is better when it comes to having the estate planning conversation.

This week’s blog in comments helps explain options for caregivers and loved ones.