Pet Planning & Pet Trusts
Setting up a trust for your pet in California can provide you with peace of mind and ensure that your pet is well taken care of in the event that you pass away or become incapacitated. Here are some specific reasons why you might want to consider setting up a pet trust:
- Ensure proper care for your pet: With a pet trust, you can designate a trustee to manage the funds and assets you set aside for your pet’s care. This can include expenses such as veterinary care, food, grooming, and boarding. By establishing a trust, you can ensure that your pet’s needs are met even if you are no longer able to care for them yourself.
- Avoid potential legal battles: Without a pet trust, your pet will become part of your estate and may be distributed according to your will or state laws. This can lead to legal battles and delays, and there is no guarantee that your pet will end up in the hands of someone who will care for them properly. By creating a pet trust, you can ensure that your wishes are followed and avoid potential conflicts.
- Provide for your pet’s long-term needs: If your pet is likely to outlive you, a pet trust can ensure that they are taken care of for the rest of their life. You can specify how the trust funds should be used, such as for regular vet visits or special medical treatments. This can provide you with peace of mind knowing that your pet will be cared for even after you are gone.
- Ensure privacy: By creating a pet trust, you can keep your wishes private and avoid public probate proceedings. This can help to protect your pet’s privacy and ensure that their care is not disrupted by unwanted attention.
Overall, setting up a pet trust in California can be a wise decision if you want to ensure that your pet is well cared for and avoid potential legal battles. Be sure to consult with an attorney who is experienced in estate planning and pet trusts to ensure that your wishes are properly documented and followed. Attorney John McCarthy offers a FREE, confidential consultation. He does estate planning and sets up pet trusts for people. He also should give Lincoln the Law Dog more treats…