Protecting Your Beloved Companion’s Future.
As a pet owner, you want to ensure that your beloved companion animals receive proper care, even if you are no longer around to provide for them. A pet trust is a legally enforceable arrangement that allows you to set aside funds and instructions for the continued care of your pet. Unlike informal agreements, a pet trust provides a legally binding agreement to follow your specific wishes, giving you peace of mind that your pet will be looked after.
At The Law Office of Enoch P. Hicks, Attorney Hicks helps Georgia pet owners create customized estate plans that include legally enforceable pet trusts, ensuring their pets receive the love and care they deserve.
What Is a Pet Trust? Understanding Your Legal Options
A pet trust is a special type of trust that provides for the care of your pet after your death or incapacity. This arrangement ensures that funds are allocated to cover your pet’s day-to-day care, veterinary expenses, and any specific instructions you wish to include
How a Pet Trust Works
- You Create the Trust – You specify how funds should be used for your pet’s care.
- Appoint a Caregiver – Choose a designated caregiver who will be responsible for your pet’s well-being.
- Select a Trustee – The trustee manages funds and ensures that the caregiver follows the terms of the trust.
- Define Care Instructions – Outline your pet’s routine, dietary preferences, veterinary needs, and any other important details.
- Trust Duration – The trust terminates upon the death of your pet (or the last surviving pet covered by the trust).
- Remaining Funds – Any remaining trust assets are distributed to a beneficiary of your choosing (such as a family member or animal charity).
By setting up a pet trust, pet owners create legally enforceable arrangements to guarantee that their companion animals continue to receive quality care.
Why Should You Set Up a Pet Trust in Georgia?
Unlike a simple request in a will, a pet trust is a legally enforceable document. This means that the person you designate to care for your pet is legally obligated to follow your instructions.
Key Benefits of a Pet Trust
✔ Ensures Continuous Care – A pet trust provides day-to-day care for your pet if you pass away or become incapacitated.
✔ Prevents Disputes – Unlike informal arrangements, a legally binding trust eliminates uncertainty about your pet’s future.
✔ Legally Enforceable – The trustee oversees the funds and can take action if the caregiver fails to meet their obligations.
✔ Customizable to Your Pet’s Needs – You can include specific care instructions, such as diet, exercise, and veterinary visits.
✔ Protects Pets with Long Lifespans – Some companion animals, such as parrots or horses, live for decades, making a trust essential for long- term care.
Without a pet trust, your pet could end up in a shelter or with an unintended caregiver. A properly structured trust ensures your pet receives the same quality of care you provide.
Key Elements of a Georgia Pet Trust
A well-crafted pet trust should cover the following:
Appointing a Trustee & Caregiver
- Your trustee manages the funds and ensures the designated caregiver follows your instructions.
- Select backup trustees and caregivers in case your primary choices are unavailable.
Specifying Care Instructions
- Dietary preferences – Examples include the brand of food and feeding schedules
- Exercise routines – Examples include daily walks and favorite parks.
- Veterinary care – Examples include required checkups and preferred vet clinic.
- Medications & medical needs.
Determining Financial Support
- Estimate lifetime care costs (food, medical expenses, grooming).
- Ensure the trust has adequate funds to cover all expenses.
Addressing End-of-Life Decisions
- Outline how your pet’s remains should be handled.
- Specify whether the funds should go to a charity or beneficiary after your pet’s passing.
Georgia law recognizes and enforces pet trusts, ensuring that your estate plan protects your pet.
FAQs About Pet Trusts in Georgia
Do I Need a Pet Trust If I Already Have a Will?
Yes! A will does not guarantee that funds will be used for your pet’s care. A pet trust is legally enforceable, ensuring the caregiver must follow your instructions.
Can I Leave Money Directly to My Pet?
No. Pets cannot inherit money, but a pet trust ensures funds are used exclusively for their care.
How Long Does a Pet Trust Last?
A pet trust terminates upon the death of the last surviving pet covered by the trust.
What Happens If the Funds Run Out?
If the trust’s funds are depleted, the designated caregiver may have to cover expenses. To prevent this, Attorney Enoch P. Hicks can help you estimate your pet’s lifetime expenses.
Can I Change My Pet Trust Later?
Yes! You can modify the trust if your pet’s needs change or you acquire additional pets.
Secure Your Pet’s Future with a Georgia Pet Trust
If you want to ensure your pet is loved and cared for, no matter what happens, setting up a pet trust is the best way to protect their future.
At The Law Office of Enoch P. Hicks, Attorney Hicks provides personalized estate planning services to help you create a legally enforceable pet trust tailored to your pet’s need.
Office Address: 279 Washington Avenue, Marietta, GA 30060
Call: (678) 977-8297
Email: eph@ephfirm.com
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!
Give your pet the protection they deserve by setting up a pet trust today.