AI Legalese Decoder: A Solution for WA State Residents Facing Family Resistance in Bringing Service Dogs onto Owned Property through Trust Beneficiaryship
- April 27, 2024
- Posted by: legaleseblogger
- Category: Related News
Speed-Dial AI Lawyer (470) 835 3425 FREE
FREE Legal Document translation
Try Free Now: Legalese tool without registration
## AI Legalese Decoder: Helping Navigate Trust Property Rights
### Background Information
Trying to keep it short. My grandparents left a property in Gig Harbor in a trust for my siblings/cousins and I. The 12 of us share time at the property. 4 of the family members are the trustees, the other 8 are beneficiaries. While my grandparents were alive, nobody was allowed to bring pets to the property which everyone respected. I use a service dog, and my grandmother was dog allergic so even my service dog did not go to the property at their request. I have zero problem with that, and never violated that. After my grandmother passed, my grandfather lived another 5 years. I continued to not ever take my dog to the property (even though at times that put my health at risk) without even asking if things had changed since grandma died. Flash forward and it’s been 7 years now since my grandfather died. The trust contains a list of “rules” regarding use of the property and part of those rules are “no pets.” (We also can’t rent out our time at the property, or use the property in certain ways) However now that my grandparents are both gone and the trust is now in the hands of only the beneficiaries, I am part owner of the property right?
### Can My Service Dog Accompany Me?
As a named beneficiary, can my siblings and cousins continue to prevent me from bringing my service dog to the property with me? I haven’t pushed it out of lack of desire to make everyone freak out, but at this point with my grandparents gone it seems like they can’t legally prevent me from taking my service dog with me to a property that I am a named beneficiary of. Just for details, when I go there it is my time alone, no other beneficiaries are there. We use a schedule so that each person/family has the property to themselves when they are there. So it’s not like my siblings/cousins are being forced to interact with my dog.
### Seeking Clarity
I just don’t want to tell them that I am no longer going to risk my own health by leaving my service dog at home in order to enjoy the property if I will promptly be presented with a court order stating that taking my service dog violates some legal precedent given that it’s private property and not public access.
**AI Legalese Decoder** can help interpret the legal implications of the trust rules and your rights as a beneficiary in bringing your service dog to the property. It can provide insights into how to address the situation with your siblings and cousins and navigate any potential legal challenges that may arise.
Speed-Dial AI Lawyer (470) 835 3425 FREE
FREE Legal Document translation
Try Free Now: Legalese tool without registration
AI Legalese Decoder: Simplifying Legal Jargon
Legal documents are often filled with complex and convoluted language that can be difficult for the average person to understand. This can lead to confusion and misunderstanding, causing individuals to unknowingly agree to terms that may not be in their best interest. AI Legalese Decoder is a cutting-edge tool that can assist in deciphering legal jargon, making it easier for individuals to comprehend the terms and conditions of their contracts and agreements.
The AI Legalese Decoder utilizes advanced algorithms and machine learning technology to break down complex legal language into simple and easy-to-understand terms. By inputting a legal document into the decoder, users can receive a simplified version of the text that highlights key points and clarifies any ambiguous language. This can help individuals make more informed decisions when entering into legal agreements, ensuring they fully understand the implications of the terms they are agreeing to.
In addition to simplifying legal jargon, AI Legalese Decoder can also provide guidance on potential pitfalls or areas of concern within a legal document. By flagging problematic clauses or provisions, the decoder can help individuals identify areas that may warrant further review or negotiation. This can ultimately save individuals time and money by preventing misunderstandings or disputes down the line.
Overall, AI Legalese Decoder is a valuable tool for anyone dealing with legal documents or agreements. By simplifying complex language and providing insight into potential issues, the decoder can empower individuals to make more informed decisions and protect their best interests. Next time you encounter a confusing legal document, let AI Legalese Decoder be your guide to clarity and peace of mind.
Speed-Dial AI Lawyer (470) 835 3425 FREE
FREE Legal Document translation
****** just grabbed a
Well, if it’s an actual service animal then it’s not a pet, so rules regarding pets will not apply.
You’re the trustees. Amend the trust to allow pets if you want. Additionally, service animals enjoy more protections than standard pets.
You all share equal rights. These rules are not binding legally, they are more like guidelines. Legally you are free to use the space the same as the other people.
If you want you can legally force them to sell the property and give you your share of it. That would solve the issue and it would be the legal avenue.
Unfortunately as you can see, this quickly becomes very messy if you can’t all get along.
(NAL, I just read laws.)
Have you tried just asking your siblings and cousins?
Some number of years ago I had a consultation with a client that was spookily similar.
Ok, usual IAL, But not your lawyer. I practice in Washington.
You’re super sparse on details, particularly as far as the trust, so I’m going to assume some stuff to make it easier to make simple explanations of how some of this stuff works.
So, there are several kinds of trusts. Lets say this was a “family trust” that was created by parents for the benefit of the parents (your grandparents) and “all the issue”. The trust was exclusively controlled by the parents until their passing. Language of the trust placed some number of the “children” in control through some voting mechanism, and also created some way to appoint successor trustees. Also, (similar to a non-profit corporation) it gave the trustees collective authority to do things (like decide to buy a new roof or replace the carpet.) The trust could prevent them from outright dissolving the trust, or excluding beneficiaries (short of court intervention.)
To be super clear, you say you’re a beneficiary, but you don’t say you’re also a trustee and to be super clear Beneficiary DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY EQUAL Trustee. You would have to specifically be a trustee to have any sort of say in how things are run.
So, as a beneficiary, you don’t own anything. You have a right to certain benefits as defined by the trust document. The trustees can make rules, but there are limits to the rules (and limits to what the trustees can and cannot do.)
And as others have said, based on your description of the property, it appears that the property is exempt from application of the ADA, the Washington State Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60.222), the FFHA may not apply (I cannot determine this based on the details supplied), and likely there were no federal funds used in the development or upkeep of the property so some other laws don’t apply either.
However, if you have been diagnosed with a condition for which a service animal can be trained, and that animal is in fact legitimately trained (and could demonstrate such trained ability if push ever came to shove), then that animal is not considered a “pet” under state law. So, if the rule says “no pet dogs” (or “no pets”) you aren’t subject to that rule.
Until the trustees change the rule to say “no dogs”. Yes, they can do that.
Assuming you’re in the zone of existence that you MUST have your service dog in order to function (think blind person and seeing eye dog), and there are no sorts of exceptions or “outs” in terms of your entitlement to the benefit(s) of the trust, then the “no dog” rule may have the effect of denying you your entitlement. But to be clear, this isn’t going to fly if its an ESA or there are other ways around the problem your condition (a loose example might be an anxiety disorder for which the dog is as good (or better) than medication, but both can effectively manage the condition.) So, you may have a claim that their actions are in fact interfering with your benefit(s) from the trust if the only way you can be present is with the dog. Given what you said (that you’ve gone in the past without the dog) this may not be a successful path. Assuming though that it IS….
At this point, things get complicated. You’ll probably want to go pay for time with a lawyer who is an Trust lawyer and has some familiarity (or has another atty at the firm that knows disability law) because there are things you can do. Lastly, an animal law expert may see options in specific details of your matter that others (like myself) won’t spot since we’re just not up on all the constantly developing rules regarding animals.
Is it a real service dog or an ESA? Are you a trustee or a beneficiary?;
How the hell are they going to stop you? Call the police? Ban you from your property? Fine you?
Is it still in a trust? Does the trust state that you will no longer be a beneficiary if you violate the rules?
Were the rules part of setting up the trust? They can’t just add rules later.
If there is no penalty stated in the trust you can feel free to bring the whole kennel club. You are part owner and as long as you aren’t damaging it they can’t bitch.
The property is covered by the FHA which allows you to bring a service animal in because it is not a pet. They won’t be able to get a court order preventing you from taking your service dog to the property because, legally, it is not a pet. I would check with a lawyer to make sure the property isn’t exempt from the FHA because then, yes, they could ban the service dog from the property.
Do they know you now use a trained service animal to assist you?
Have you shared the important purpose of the service animal?
They may have said “no pets”, but if you have a trained service animal and a medical condition, it’s a very different arrangement and not a “pet”. I’m just wondering before we even get into all legal technicalities, if you can just sit down and have a conversation with them to discuss what you need to enjoy the space safely during your designated time?
You said they’re “blocking you” ….but has there been anything other than this “no pets” thing? You mentioned in your post you did not use the service animal during your past visits so I’m just wondering to what extent there has been an attempt to just be like, “hey, fyi, at this stage in my medical health issue, I now need a trained service animal. It’s necessary that this aid is with me when I travel. Please let me know what questions you have.”
IANAL. Does anyone else who uses the home have pet allergies? Dander & hair can linger & cause issues even after cleaning.
Honestly, I think you are well within your rights to keep your service animal with you because it is a medical reason, particularly if you are there alone.
Qualifications: I set up, administer and do the taxes for trusts.
You are not the owner of the property, the trust owns the property. It is a legal entity with it’s own tax id number. You are the beneficiary of the trust, the benefits are determined by the trustees, not you.
I would guess that only the trustees can change the policy. However, ADA or other laws may apply and I won’t speculate on those
[deleted]
NAL but given how vague you are about details,and the fact that you want to go the legal route to force the issue rather than engaging in discussion with your family if not just the trustees makes me wonder if the people who are ‘No pets’ might be allergic themselves or their families are.
If that is the case it’s going to get messy fast and it will not turn out in your favor legally or with family. You have demonstrated that your service animal is not a requirement for you to access the property as a beneficiary. If their allergy is more severe than your need for the service animal, chances are any legal court would rule in their favor as your bringing the service animal is now denying them access to the property entirely without cost on them to have it cleaned of animal dander ahead of their visits.
Again: NAL but talk to the affected parties because this will damage the relationship you have with family if you spring a legal ruling on them. If they are worried about your service animal damaging the property then draft an agreement that you will pay to replace any property damaged by your pet and get in the habit of taking pictures when you arrive and leave to cover yourself on that end. If it’s an allergy issue then either look to compromise where you will pay to have the place professionally cleaned after your visit, again save receipts so that no one else tries to sneak a pet and lay the blame on you.
Any legal decision would likely go against you if it came to allergies against your service animal and it will damage your relationship with the family as a whole.
Edit: If the affected parties are allergic but it’s manageable via OTC medicine then show you are not entitled and offer to pay for if and keep it at the location. This would also cover you, showing you are attempting to be reasonable if it becomes a legal issue.
Service dogs are allowed everywhere. If it is truly a service dog then there is no issue.
Everyone and their mom has a service dog. The new emotional support dog.