Pet Trust Lawyer - Providing For Your Pets After You Are Gone
Many loving pet owners are fearful about what will happen to their pets if their pets outlive them. At Plitz Estate Planning, in addition to providing estate plans for the owners of our furry friends, pet trust lawyer Jim Plitz can also help you construct an estate plan designed to care for a beloved animal should you become incapacitated or die.
Millions of animals end up in shelters each year after owners become ill or pass away, leading to over two million adoptable cats and dogs being euthanized annually. You and your pet deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing your animal’s future care is assured. If you are interested in making accommodations for your pet, we invite you to call our office to schedule a free consultation with experienced New Albany pet planning lawyer Jim Plitz.
Indiana Pet Trust FAQs
Pets are dependent on an owner to provide food, healthcare, and a loving environment from day one. Thus, it is critical to engage in pragmatic pet planning as soon as you make an animal a part of your family. By proactively appointing a caregiver, you needn’t worry about your pet losing the chance for a safe home and secure life.
While animals become extended members of our families, the State of Indiana doesn’t view pets in the same capacity. Under Indiana law, your pet is viewed as personal property, which means you cannot legally leave anything in your estate directly to your pet. Instead, you can make a beloved animal the beneficiary of a pet trust.
A pet trust can be created during life or upon death through a will or revocable trust. The trust can then be funded with enough money to cover your pet’s lifelong expenses, including (but not limited to):
- Food costs
- Veterinary Care
- Boarding
- Caretaking Compensation
- Cremation or Burial Expenses
You can select a primary and secondary caregiver to take care of your pet if something happens to you, including a natural disaster, injury or illness, or death. Further, a trustee can also be appointed to ensure funds are properly expended. In addition to a meticulous pet trust, you can provide detailed instructions on how to care for your pet, including information such as a photo, veterinary information, health and shot records, feeding instructions, medication requirements, and other pertinent information.
If a beloved animal passes before all pet trust assets are exhausted, the remainder can be distributed to the beneficiaries of your choosing. For example, you could leave the remaining amount to a child or to a pet-related charity.
Contact Plitz Estate Planning Today To Schedule A Free Consultation With An Experienced Pet Trust Attorney.
Contact our office at (812) 578-5348 today to schedule a free consultation with experienced estate pet planning attorney Jim Plitz. He can explain your options for ensuring your beloved pet is cared for in the event something happens to you or an emergency arises.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Satisfaction Guaranteed – If you are not 100% satisfied with the service or process within 60 days of signing your estate planning documents, you will receive a full refund.
