Estate Planning for Your Pet
You do not have to be rich or a celebrity to want your pet taken care of after you are gone. Estate planning for your pet has increased and at least 45 states allow for pet trusts. There are also retirement homes for your pets after you have passed away, as well as attorneys that specialize in pet trusts. There are resources available. Several books and websites have been dedicated to educate pet owners about setting up a pet trust. Some veterinary schools offer estate planning options like placement in a home or lifetime care for your pets. It is very important that the pet trust be written so that the funds and pets can be turned over to the designated facility or caregiver because the need is immediate. Some pet owners leave money to the individuals that will be caring for the pet to ensure the animal will not become a financial burden. However, greed sometimes gets in the way when a large amount of money is involved. Be sure to think carefully before deciding who will be the caretaker of your beloved pet.
To learn more about this article, visit Estate planning: Who will care for your pet?
To learn more about estate planning, please contact our Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach law firm of Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A.
