FLORIDA PET TRUSTS
What will happen if your pet outlives you?
Many pet owners, like me, consider our pets as part of our family. But, far too many of us neglect to make long-term plans for our pets. Each year thousands of animals end up in shelters. According to a recent Humane Society Report, the majority of dogs and cats that enter shelters are euthanized when the pet parent passes away.
There is something we can do. Florida has a law allowing pet owners to establish a Trust to ensure that their pets receive proper care after disability or death. A Pet Trust works by naming a trusted person or facility to act as Trustee and provides that Trustee with enough money to care for the pet according to your instructions. This can include directions such as your pet’s daily routine, medical care, special food, and socialization. In short, it may include anything that is reasonable to care for your pets.
You can create a pet trust either while you are alive or when you die by including the trust provisions in your will.
I am an attorney with experience in estate planning and a pet owner who does not want to leave my pet’s future to chance.
If you need advice on estate planning, call the Law Office of Debra G. Simms today at 386.256.4882
This blog post is not case-specific and is provided only for educational purposes and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Blog topics may or may not be updated and entries may be out-of-date at the time you view them
