Hurricane Sandy has helped make Americans aware of how important it is to have a backup plan ready for our pets. According to Kim Bressant-Kibwe, the trusts and estates counsel for the the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, many pets end up in animals shelters because something happens to the owner and no one is available to take care of their pets. She recommends that every pet owner have an estate plan and a disaster plan for their pets.
One option is for pet owners to use a pet trusts to provide for their pets. This allows their pet to be protected in the case that their owner becomes incapacitated and can no longer care for their pet. Wills should not be used to provide funds for your pet, since animals do not have the legal authority to own property and so any money left in a will for them would not go to them. Also, wills go through probate which is very often time-consuming. Pets can not wait for a judge to decide who is going to take care of them. A pet trust allows for funds to be left for your pet and for them to be taken care of without have to wait things to get wrapped up in court.
At Roulet Law Firm, we can include planning for your pet in your estate plan. You can set funds aside so that your pet will be taken care of how you want, by whom you want, and you can be assured they will always be in good hands. If you have any questions, please call us at (763) 420-5087.