Can you really leave your entire fortune to your dog? 🐶 In this episode of Plan for This, Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald dive into the infamous case of Leona Helmsley—the "Queen of Mean"—who famously bequeathed $12 million to her Maltese, Trouble, while disinheriting her own grandchildren.

They break down the legal realities of pet trusts, the thin line between personal sovereignty and mental incompetence, and why "controlling from the grave" often leads to years of expensive litigation. Whether you're a "pet parent" wanting to ensure your animal's care or someone reconsidering a family inheritance, this conversation highlights the importance of planning with a "cooler head".

Key Takeaways:

The Reality of Pet Trusts: In states like California, pet trusts are legal, but they require a human guardian to manage the funds.

Capacity & Competence: If you plan on making "unusual" requests, getting a doctor’s letter of competence can protect your wishes from being challenged.

Legacy vs. Control: Is your estate plan a gift to help your family thrive, or a "bomb" dropped behind you?.

Welcome to the Plan for This Podcast—your trusted source for estate planning, wills, trusts, caregiving, and financial preparedness. Hosted by Marguerite Lorenz and Ron Greenwald, we simplify complex topics into clear, actionable steps that help you protect what matters most.

⏱️ Chapter Timestamps

00:00 – The $12 Million Dog: The Leona Helmsley Story

01:45 – When Courts Overrule Your Will 04:30 – Proving Competence for Unusual Requests

06:05 – How Pet Trusts Actually Work (Legal Requirements)

08:00 – The Ethics of Pet Guardianship & Maintenance Costs

09:30 – Planning for Long-Lived Pets (Birds & Tortoises)

11:15 – Real-World Case: Transitioning Pets for Seniors

13:15 – The Risks of Disinheriting Family Members

15:20 – How Attorneys Assess Mental Capacity

17:05 – Loving vs. Controlling from the Grave

18:30 – When to Review and "Dust Off" Your Plan

19:10 – Become a PlanFan and Join the Community

✨ What You’ll Learn on This Channel:

Estate planning basics (wills, trusts, probate, and more)

Executor and trustee responsibilities explained

Family caregiving, financial preparedness, and legacy planning

Real stories, expert insights, and practical tools

👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes: @PlanForthis

👉 Join our PlanFan community: https://planforthis.com/

Special Thanks to our Sponsors:

Independent Trustee Alliance: trusteealliance.com

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Because when life asks, “Did you plan for this?”—you’ll be ready.

#EstatePlanning #PetTrust #LeonaHelmsley #WillsAndTrusts #LegacyPlanning #PlanForThisPodcast