How we can protect our pets from our incapacity or death
The care of our pets when we are unavailable or if we pass away is an important, but often overlooked, aspect of estate planning. One way to help protect our pets is with a dedicated Pet Trust.
Our law firm creates legally binding plans for your which provide instructions on how to care for your pets, and also sets aside funds which will provide for their care.
Some benefits of a Pet Trust are:
- Peace of Mind: We want you to know that your wishes will be provided for regarding your pets’ care. It feel’s good to know that the type of care you’ve specified is known and set, from their preferred diet, to their daily routines.
- Financial Security: Without allocating sufficient funds, your caregiver may not be able to provide the specific care your pet needs and deserves. We help you ensure that your pet’s caregiver is able to pay for their food, grooming, vet visits, and other expenses.
- Trusted Caregiver: Do you want to leave it up to chance who will provide for your little best friend? Or do you want to have confidence that someone trustworthy will give the love and attention you want them to have? Ensure that your pet is in a loving home, with a trusted caregiver. But don’t leave their fate to chance.
- Legal Protection: We draft pet trusts which comply with Georgia law, and are enforceable in Court. We can even install a “Trust Protector” who can remove your pet’s guardian if they aren’t handling the trust correctly.
Contents of a Typical Pet Trust
So what goes into a well-crafted Pet Trust? There are several key aspects:
- Identification of Pets: We will have each of your pets clearly listed, including their name, their breed, and their special needs.
- Care Instructions: This is key! From dietary needs and restrictions to their medical care and their daily routines, we want to ensure your pets’ caregiver has all of the necessary info.
- Trustee Information: Have a conversation ahead of time with 1 to 3 possible pet caregivers so that you know they are willing to serve, and willing to provide the necessary care you specify. In the Pet Trust, we will then provide the name and contact info for your pets’ nominated guardian (a/k/a the “Trustee” of the Pet Trust).
- Funding Details: This is where the Pet Trust specifies a certain amount of money which will be provided for your pets’ care. You can also provide stipulations on how it is to be spent, and what should happen to the remainder of any funds which are unspent. (Can we suggest the ASPCA?).
- Contingency Plans: Answers to WHAT IFs are important in a Pet Trust. What if your nominated caregiver passes away? What if they move and can’t care for the pets anymore? What if they aren’t doing a good job? What if your pets pass away? Let’s name alternative caregivers, ensuring your pets can have a safe home to go to if needed. Let’s have a backup plan for other potential issues as well.
Attorney Jim Fletcher wants to help you show your commitment to the pets’ wellbeing, ensuring their future is planned for. We help you develop these plans in a thoughtful way, so that you have the peace of mind that your pets will be cared for even if you are no longer here for them.