A pet trust is a legal document that allows you to provide for the care of your beloved pet if you become incapacitated and after you pass away. A pet trust can be created as a standalone document, or as part of a revocable (living) trust or will. In addition, a durable power of attorney can provide instructions to an agent for the care of a pet during your lifetime.
These documents must be set up during your lifetime and allow you to:
- designate a caretaker for your pet,
- provide funds for their care and well-being,
- designate a charity to receive funds remaining after your pet’s death,
- give specific instructions for your pet’s care, dietary requirements, and medical treatments, and
- provide for your pet to remain with you for as long as possible, at home, or at a facility.
Estate planning with pets in mind is an increasingly popular way for pet owners to ensure that their furry companions are taken care of, even when the owners can no longer care for themselves.
To learn more about how to effectively care for your pets if you become incapacitated or pass away, please contact us.
This alert serves as a general summary, and does not constitute legal guidance. Please contact us with any specific questions.
Elizabeth M. Siefker is an attorney at Fraser Trebilcock in the trusts and estates practice group focusing on estate planning, elder law, and business planning. You can reach her at esiefker@fraserlawfirm.com, or at 517.377.0801.