Lake Mary Pet Trust Attorney
The estate planning process in Florida can involve many different issues, from elder law and nursing home planning to establishing trusts to provide for loved ones. When most of us think of trusts, we think about specific fiduciary arrangements that are designed to provide assets to a beneficiary or to a charity after the grantor’s death in such a way that allows the beneficiary to avoid probate and certain estate taxes. Yet trusts are not just for humans or non-profit entities. People in Lake Mary, Florida, can also establish trusts to provide for their beloved pets.
Florida has a specific pet trust law, and an experienced Lake Mary pet trust attorney can begin working with you today to create a trust for your dog, cat, horse, or other pet.
What is a Pet Trust in Lake Mary, Florida?
Under Florida law, “a trust may be created to provide for the care of an animal alive during the settlor’s lifetime.” The trust will then terminate on the death of the animal or upon the death of the last surviving animal if the person creating the trust established it to provide for the care of more than one animal. In other words, you can set up a trust to provide for your pet after your death. The Florida Statutes define this particular type of trust as a “trust for care of an animal.”
Many people decide to establish a pet trust because they are concerned about who will care for their pet (or pets) after their death, and how their pet will receive veterinary care and food. For many Floridians, pets are like members of the family. To be sure, pets can feel like children to many people, and the prospect of passing away without making plans for a pet can be a devastating prospect. A pet trust can provide assurance that your pet will receive the care it needs even if you are no longer here to care for the pet yourself.
Who Handles a Lake Mary Pet Trust?
Under Florida law, a person who creates a pet trust can name a specific person to administer or enforce the trust—in effect, a trustee similar to a trustee for any other type of trust in Florida that a person might establish. If the pet trust does not expressly appoint a person, then the court can appoint a person to administer and enforce the trust.
Florida law also has provisions for those concerned with the animal’s welfare to request that the court appoint a person to enforce the pet trust, or to request that the court remove a person who has been appointed if that person is not ensuring the welfare of the pet.
Contact a Lake Mary Pet Trust Attorney
Planning for the care of your loved ones after your death can be a difficult process, and it is important to know that you can consider your pets when you are working with a Florida lawyer to establish trusts. One of the experienced Lake Mary pet trust attorneys at our firm can talk with you today about establishing a trust for the care of an animal. Contact the Law Offices of Shea A. Fugate, P.A. today to learn more about creating a pet trust in Florida.
