Estate Planning and Your Pets

Georgia residents love their pets, and data from the American Veterinary Medical Association suggests that more than 55 percent of households in the state own pets. About half of all households in Georgia own a dog, and Georgia residents also have cats and other common pets. About two-third of households that own at least one pet report that they consider their pet to be “part of the family,” according to an article from the University of Georgia’s student newspaper. If you are among the many Georgia residents with a beloved pet at home, it is important to include your pet in your estate plan. By including your pet in your estate plan, you can have peace of mind knowing that your beloved animal family members will be cared for even if you are not able to provide that care yourself.

What components of a Norcross estate plan can include pets? Our Norcross estate planning lawyers can explain your options.

Establish a Pet Trust 

One of the best ways to ensure that your pet will be provided for, even if you are not physically able or present to provide that care, is to establish a pet trust. Under Georgia Code 53-12-28, you can establish an animal trust. Here is what the statutory language says:

“A trust may be created to provide for the care of an animal that is alive during the settlor’s lifetime. The trust shall terminate upon the death of such animal or, if the trust was created to provide for the care of more than one animal alive during the settlor’s lifetime, upon the death of the last surviving animal.”

In short, you can set up a trust that can pay for care for your pet or pets. The trust will remain in existence until the death of the last pet named in the trust. When you establish a pet trust, you can appoint a person to ensure that the terms of the trust are enforced.

Name a Guardian for Your Pet 

In addition to establishing an animal trust for your pet, you can also name a guardian for your pet (in the same way you might for a minor child).

When you work with your lawyer to make a will, or to revise an existing will, you can identify a person you trust to care for your pet in the event of your death or your incapacity. It is important to discuss this role with anyone you are planning to name to ensure that they are willing to care for your pet in the event that you can no longer do so.

Contact a Gwinnett County Estate Planning Lawyer 

Do you have pets that you want to include in your estate plan? For many Gwinnett County residents, pets are part of the family, and it is essential to do everything possible to ensure that they are cared for in the event that you pass away unexpectedly or cannot care for them any longer yourself. From establishing a pet trust in Georgia to naming a pet guardian, an experienced Gwinnett County estate planning attorney at Bowman Law Firm can help you to include your pets in your Norcross estate plan. Contact us today for more information.

Sources:

aw.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-53/chapter-12/article-2/section-53-12-28/

redandblack.com/uganews/science_health/study-shows-georgia-households-are-more-likely-to-own-dogs-not-cats/article_cf21806a-6d9b-11e2-9bfe-0019bb30f31a.html