Wills and Trusts in Salt Lake City, Utah: What You Need to Know (Plus, How a Pet Trust Works)
If you live in Salt Lake City and you have been putting off estate planning, you are not alone. Most people know they should have a will or trust in place, but they keep waiting for “the right time.” The truth is, the right time is now. And if you have a dog, cat, or any other animal you love, there is even more reason to get started today.
At Valor Legal PLLC, we help Salt Lake City families build estate plans that are clear, personal, and built to last. This guide will walk you through the basics of wills and trusts in Utah and explain exactly how a pet trust works so your furry family members are protected too.
What Is a Will and Why Do You Need One?
A will is a legal document that tells everyone what should happen to your stuff when you die. It names who gets your home, your savings, your car, and everything else you own. It also names a guardian for your kids if they are under 18.
Without a will, the state of Utah decides all of that for you. Utah has rules called intestate succession laws that kick in when someone dies without a will. Those rules do not know who you love most or what your wishes are. They just follow a legal formula.
A will puts you back in charge. It is one of the most important things you can do for the people you care about.
Learn more about how our will attorneys in Salt Lake City can help you get started.
What Is a Trust and How Is It Different from a Will?
A trust is another legal tool, but it works a little differently. When you create a trust, you put your assets into it. A trustee, which is a person you choose, manages those assets according to your rules.
Here is the big difference: a will goes through probate. Probate is a court process that can take months and cost your family money. A trust skips probate entirely. Your loved ones get access to what you left them much faster and without the hassle of court.
Trusts also stay private. When a will goes through probate, it becomes a public record. A trust does not.
Some common reasons people in Salt Lake City use trusts:
- They own a home or other real estate
- They want to leave money to young children over time, not all at once
- They have a loved one with special needs
- They have a pet they want to protect (more on that below)
Want to know which option is right for your family? Our estate planning attorneys in Salt Lake City are happy to walk you through your options.
Wills and Trusts in Salt Lake City, Utah: What the Law Says
Utah has its own rules for wills and trusts, and it is important to work with someone who knows them well.
For a will to be valid in Utah, it must be signed by you and witnessed by at least two people who are not beneficiaries. If it is not done right, it could be challenged or thrown out in court.
For trusts, Utah law gives you a lot of flexibility. You can create a revocable trust, which you can change or cancel during your lifetime. Or you can create an irrevocable trust, which cannot be changed but offers more protection for your assets.
Utah is also one of the states that allows something called a domestic asset protection trust, which can help shield your assets from future creditors. The Utah State Bar offers a helpful overview of estate planning basics if you want to read more.
Working with a local attorney who knows Utah law is always the smart move. Generic online templates do not account for the details of your specific life or the rules of your state.
What Is a Pet Trust in Utah? How It Works
This is the part a lot of pet owners do not know about. You can actually set up a legal trust just for your pet.
A pet trust is a legally enforceable document. That means it is not just a wish. It is a legal instruction that has to be followed.
Utah has allowed pet trusts since 1998 under Utah Code Ann. 75-2-1001. The law says you can create a trust for any domestic or pet animal. Dogs, cats, horses, birds, and more are all covered.
Here is how it works, step by step:
Step 1: You fund the trust. You set aside a certain amount of money specifically for your pet’s care. This money cannot be used for anything else.
Step 2: You name a trustee. This is the person who manages the money. They make sure the funds are used correctly.
Step 3: You name a caregiver. This is the person who will actually take care of your pet day to day. It can be the same person as the trustee or someone different.
Step 4: You leave instructions. You can be as specific as you want. What food should your pet eat? What vet should they see? Do they need daily walks? What happens if they get sick? All of that can go in the trust.
Step 5: You name a successor. What if the trustee or caregiver cannot do the job? You name a backup for both.
Step 6: The trust ends when your pet passes. Any money left over goes to whoever you name, like a person or a charity.
The trust is enforceable in Utah courts. That means if the trustee or caregiver is not following the rules, someone you designate can go to court to make them follow through. This is a big deal because a simple note in a will saying “please take care of my dog” has no legal force at all.
Our pet trust attorneys at Valor Legal PLLC help Salt Lake City pet owners build these plans the right way. We make sure your pet is identified properly in the document, the right amount of money is set aside, and your instructions are clear enough to hold up.
The ASPCA recommends that all pet owners look into pet trusts as part of their overall estate plan, and we could not agree more.
Do You Really Need a Pet Trust, or Will a Will Work?
A lot of people think they can just mention their pet in their will and everything will be fine. Unfortunately, that is not really how it works.
Because the law sees pets as property, you cannot leave money directly to your pet in a will. The court will not honor it. You can leave your pet to a person, but that person has no legal obligation to use any money you leave them to actually care for the animal.
A pet trust solves that problem. The money in the trust can only be used for your pet. The caregiver has to follow your instructions. And if they do not, there are legal consequences.
If you want to make sure your pet is actually protected, a pet trust is the right tool.
How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Will, Trust, or Pet Trust in Utah?
The cost depends on how complex your situation is. A simple will might be very affordable. A full estate plan with a revocable trust, healthcare directive, power of attorney, and pet trust will cost more, but it is a one-time investment in your family’s future.
The cost of not having a plan can be much higher. Families who go through probate in Utah often spend thousands of dollars and months of waiting. Disputes over who gets what can tear families apart.
At Valor Legal PLLC, we offer a free consultation so you can find out exactly what you need and what it will cost before you commit to anything. Schedule yours here.
Other Estate Planning Tools to Know About
A solid estate plan usually includes more than just a will or trust. Here are a few other things to think about:
Healthcare Directive: This tells doctors what kind of medical care you want if you cannot speak for yourself. Our team offers health care directive services to help you put this in writing.
Power of Attorney: This gives someone you trust the legal authority to make financial or legal decisions for you if you are unable to. Learn more about our power of attorney services.
Special Needs Trust: If you have a family member with a disability, this type of trust can provide for them without affecting their eligibility for government benefits. Our special needs trust attorneys can explain how it works.
Property Deed Recording: Making sure your property is titled correctly is a key part of any estate plan. We also offer property deed recording services to make sure your real estate transfers the way you intend.
Why Work with Valor Legal PLLC in Salt Lake City?
There are a lot of law firms in Salt Lake City. Here is what makes Valor Legal PLLC different.
We take the time to understand your life. We do not hand you a template and call it a day. We ask about your family, your pets, your property, and your goals. Then we build a plan around you.
We explain things in plain language. Estate planning does not have to be confusing. We make sure you understand every document before you sign anything.
We serve all of northern Utah. Whether you are in Salt Lake City, Bountiful, Ogden, Farmington, or Layton, we are here for you.
And we make it easy to get started. You can schedule a free consultation online in just a few minutes.
Ready to Protect Your Family and Your Pets?
Whether you need a simple will, a full revocable trust, or a pet trust for your dog or cat, Valor Legal PLLC is here to help. We work with families all across Salt Lake City, Utah every day to build estate plans that give them real peace of mind.
Do not wait until something happens. The best time to plan is before you need it.
Contact Valor Legal PLLC today and let us help you protect everything and everyone you love.