Our firm recognizes that pets are a part of the family. As a result, individuals have the option to create a pet trust in order to protect their animals’ future. Read on and reach out to our dedicated Montgomery County trust attorney today.
What is a pet trust?
If you are considering creating a pet trust in Maryland, you will want to consider the various options that are available for you to explore. You can include a pet trust when you write your will; you can also include a pet trust as a part of a revocable living trust, or as a stand-alone trust. The objective of creating a pet trust is so that you can formally designate a person to care for your pet in the event that you pass away before your pet does.
The trustee does not always have to be the same person who will look after your pet. Because of this, it is critical that you are clear when preparing the document. You will be instructed to supply clear instructions concerning your wishes for your pet’s health care, veterinarians, burial, and how all leftover funds for your pet should be allocated after they die.
What steps should I take to create a pet trust?
The first action you will want to take when commencing the process of a pet trust is to select a trustee. The trustee is the individual who will handle all finances related to your pet. Then, you will choose a guardian. The guardian will actually care for your pet. It is achievable to choose two separate people or just one person for each of these positions. After you have established your pet’s trustee and guardian, you will inform them of what their responsibilities will be. Once that is complete, our firm will help you in formulating an inter vivos or a testamentary trust where we will document all of the care that your pet needs. Note that you are also able to include a backup trustee or guardian in this document.
It is in your best interest to reach out to our dedicated Maryland estate planning attorney today if you have any additional questions about this process or require assistance moving forward, do not wait to reach out to our skilled Montgomery County estate planning attorney today. Our legal team is equipped with the knowledge and experience required to ensure you and your pet’s future are protected. We are just one call away.
Contact our experienced Montgomery County, Maryland firm
The attorneys at JDKatz have years of experience compassionately guiding clients in Maryland through the estate planning and administration process. Our firm also has experience with matters of elder law, business law, tax law, and litigation. For a legal team that will put your needs first, contact JDKatz today.