Join me, Greg McIntyre, attorney Samantha Gordon, and her new puppy Winchester, as we tackle the heartwarming task of setting up a Pet Trust. It's more than just a legal safeguard—it's a pledge to ensure your pet thrives even in your absence. Together, we unravel the process of appointing a caregiver, earmarking funds, and detailing care instructions, so your pets maintain the lifestyle they adore. This is your chance to discover how to make your pet's well-being an intrinsic part of your estate plan, with wisdom sprinkled in from our own beloved pets and professional insights.
Ever wonder if pets know they're a fundamental part of the family? Samantha, a devoted pet parent, blends her personal experiences with expert knowledge to emphasize just how vital these companions are to our lives. As elder law attorneys, we're passionate about integrating your furry family members' needs seamlessly into your estate plans. And there's a bonus: meet Winchester, the four-legged legal helper! You'll leave this episode not only with your heart warmed but also equipped with practical steps to secure your pet's future. Discover how easy it is to reach out for a free Pet Trust consultation, because as every pet-lover knows, it's never too early to plan for your pet's lifelong happiness.
Speaker 1:
I'm Greg McIntyre with Winchester and attorney Samantha Gordon, and we're here to talk about Pet Trust today. Why are Pet Trust and is a Pet Trust right for you? Well, I think we've hidden the name, sam. What is a Pet Trust?
Speaker 2:
So a Pet Trust is a way that you can ensure that your pets are taken care of if something happens to you. It's a way to appoint a caregiver for your pet. It's a way to put money aside so that your caregiver can take care of your pet, and it's a way to make sure that your beloved friend is going to be taken care of when you cannot do it yourself.
Speaker 1:
Very good explanation of Pet Trust. You know, for years we have drafted Pet Trust as either sub-trust in bigger trusts that are taking care of assets for children but also want to set aside a pot of money and designate a caregiver for a pet to make sure that pet if they survive the principal or the creator of the trust mommy or daddy right that those pets are taken care of. So these are things that have become more and more prevalent, I think, over the last 20 years.
Speaker 2:
Especially with my generation.
Speaker 1:
Okay, tell me about that.
Speaker 2:
So my children are only four-legged and you know my estate plan is really going to make sure that if my children, my dogs, outlive me, that they are going to be taken care of, that I have appointed someone that I trust to make sure that they are going to treat my children the way that I would treat them and make sure that there is enough money set aside to make sure that their needs are taken care of. In addition to that, making sure that all their medical information and all their food and, obviously, treats and all that is going to be well taken care of and is listed out to make sure that this caretaker that I've appointed can handle that for the kids.
Speaker 1:
So pets are amazing. Pets do so much for us as much for us as we do for them, maybe more so. There is research improving statistical data that petting a dog, for example, will lower your heart rate, and there are studies that show greater longevity if you have a pet as a companion Happier, healthier. So, especially as we age, it would be important to have companionship. Many times our companions are our four-legged friends, right, or family members. So with what we do as a state planning and elder law attorneys, pets fit right in there, and with your generation right, so I would say both. It's just important that we take care of our loved ones, and many times our loved ones may have four legs. A pet trust is a great way to ensure that your four-legged family members are taken care of, even if something happens to you. So how can someone get in touch with us? Sam to talk to you, and Winchester, your new four-legged legal assistant, okay To talk to you about a pet trust.
Speaker 2:
Well, we would be happy to offer a free consultation to anyone that would like to discuss pet trust with us or really any estate planning matters.
Speaker 1:
Our telephone number is 1-888-999-6600 or you can book online directly on our calendars at mclderlawcom. Slash scheduling cutest elder law report ever.