Historically, people were not always able to use estate planning documents for the purpose of protecting their family members in the form of scaled, feathered, or furry friends. Planning ahead for your pet’s future has never been easier. If your family members cannot take or do not want your pets if something were to happen to you, it’s a kind gesture to your animals during this difficult time to set up a pet trust to help them.
A smart estate plan should include a living trust to accomplish your own goals, but a pet trust is a separate document that is also legally enforceable and it has the primary purpose of ensuring that your pet gets the type of care that you want to be provided after you are no longer able to provide that care. This includes situations such as disability or if you were to suddenly pass away.
A pet trust enables someone else to step in and use funds you have already set aside to care for your pet in the manner in which your pet has become accustomed to. You should select the right person to serve as the trustee and manager of this trust. You can set up a variety of different stipulations inside a pet trust and this will depend on your individual state law, as well as the desires you have.
Scheduling a consultation with an experienced estate planning attorney is one way to figure out what is most likely to work in your unique situation. You can plan ahead for the care of your beloved furry friends by consulting with an estate planning attorney who recognizes your needs and concerns.
