If something happened to you tomorrow, what would happen to your children? Are you sure they would be protected? And let’s not forget your four-legged “kids.” Who’s stepping up for them?
The attorneys at Burch Law know this is the kind of thing that’s really hard to think about, but it’s absolutely essential to plan for. Whether it’s your toddler, your teenager, your tabby cat, or your 12-year-old rescue mutt who still acts like a puppy, if they depend on you, they deserve protection.
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the retired. It’s for families. It’s for you. And it’s how you make sure your loved ones—human or four-legged—are never left in limbo.
Let’s Be Real: Courts Don’t Know Your Family
Here’s what most people don’t realize: if you haven’t made your wishes legal and official, then the state of Texas gets to decide what happens to your kids and pets.
Burch Law has seen what that looks like, and it’s not pretty.
Without a will that names guardians, a judge will choose who raises your children. That might mean someone you wouldn’t have chosen…or worse, multiple family members arguing over it while your kids sit in temporary custody.
And your pets? Under the law, they’re considered property. That means they could end up with whoever gets your stuff, not necessarily the person who knows their quirky feeding rituals or that they’re terrified of thunderstorms.
When you create a plan with Burch Law, you’re not just filling out forms. You’re making sure your children don’t land in a system. You’re making sure your dog doesn’t end up in a shelter. You’re keeping your family together, even if you’re not around.
No, You Don’t Need to “Have It All Together” First
One of the biggest things that holds people back is the feeling that you need to have all your ducks in a row before you can start planning. Not true! You don’t need to know every asset you own. You don’t need to have chosen the “perfect” guardian. You don’t even need to have talked to your in-laws yet. That’s where an estate planning attorney comes in.
Burch Law can guide you through the process step-by-step, with no judgment and no pressure. Most of their clients have their full estate plan signed and in place in four to six weeks. That’s less time than it takes to potty train a puppy. (And far less stressful!)
So, What Does an Estate Plan Cover?
Your plan can be as simple or as comprehensive as your family needs. For most parents, that includes:
- A Will that names guardians for kids and outlines your wishes.
- Powers of Attorney to give someone you trust decision-making power if you’re incapacitated.
- Medical Authorizations for Minors, so babysitters or relatives can get your kids medical help in an emergency.
- Instructions for Pet Care, including who gets them and how they’re to be cared for.
- Trusts (optional), if you want to avoid probate court or leave money to your kids or pets with conditions, like age limits.
The Real Reason People Put This Off?
Because it’s emotional. Burch Law gets that! They’ve walked hundreds of families through these conversations, and yes, sometimes they’re tough. But they’re also empowering. Once you’ve made these decisions, once it’s all on paper and legally binding, there’s a huge sense of relief.
Because now, no matter what happens, your kids and your pets are covered. You’ve done your part. You’ve protected them. And that feeling? It’s worth everything.
Estate planning isn’t just a legal service. It’s a love letter to your family. It’s how you say: “If I can’t be there, here’s how I want them cared for.”
So, whether your house is full of sticky handprints and squeaky toys, or you’re raising teens and senior dogs side by side, it’s time to get a plan in place. Your future self (and your future caretakers) will thank you. More importantly, your kids and pets will feel the security of the love and thought you put into protecting them.
Make it official.
Burch Law has been helping Plano families secure their future for over twenty years. While others may view estate planning as a mere legal necessity, they see it as a profound responsibility to honor your life and the lives of those you cherish.
When you're ready, Burch Law is there to help. Visit www.burch-law.com, give them a call at 972-385-0558, or shoot them an email at hello@burch-law.com. They'll help you protect what matters most, because if you don’t have a will, the state of Texas has one for you!
"Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the retired. It’s for families. It’s for you."