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Are Your Furry Friends Protected?

Posted by Gregory Poulos | Mar 16, 2015 | 0 Comments

If you've ever owned a pet, you know the hole they leave in your life when they pass on. These furry friends are as much a part of the family as your spouse and kids. Thankfully, there are ways to help plan for your pets upkeep and care, should you pass on before them. This is particularly reassuring for single adults who don't have family or friends who can step in to care for the animals.

It may seem obvious, but pets cannot really own property, so you cannot leave property to your pet. However, you can makes plans to ensure that your pet is taken care of after you die. You probably have two objectives in making such plans:

  • make sure that your pet goes to a caring person or organization, and
  • provide for the caretaker the resources to take good care of the pet.

You can use a clause your will to leave your pet —  and money to care for your pet — to someone you trust to care of the pet or

You can create a Pet Trust. This is is obviously more expensive, but it is a stronger way to address this issue. WIth a pet trust you can leave your pet, money for care AND the legal obligation to care for your pet – something that is missing with just a clause in your will.

Some states actually allow for formal trusts for pets. Arizona is one of those states. The statute allows for the creation of a trust for a designated domestic or pet animal and must be performed in 21 years or less. The trust terminates when no living animal is covered by the trust. The remaining funds in the trust must be distributed as directed by the trust.

More often than not, estate planning for pets can be as simple as identifying the family member or friend who will care for the pet, as well as leaving a sum of money to the caregiver for the animal's upkeep and welfare — and making sure the information is contained in your will or trust. However, for a surviving spouse with no family or few friends, a trust can be the tool that will give them peace of mind if they go first.

It is comforting to know that pets can be cared for in the event of your death, and you'll know they are in good hands because you plan for it!

About the Author

Gregory Poulos

Meet Greg PoulosAn Experienced Estate Planning & Business Attorney serving the Phoenix AreaGregory Poulos counsels clients on the best strategies for accomplishing their estate planning and business goals. Greg starts by “Putting His Clients at Legal Ease” so that they understand the legal issues...

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