Why a Pet Trust? Pet trusts are becoming more and more utilized in today’s world. As the birth rate goes down, the ownership of little dogs, weighing less than 20 pounds, has substantially increased. We are seeing this trend across the country, beginning around 1999. If you are the owner of a pet … [Read more...] about Pet Trusts: An Often Overlooked Part of Your Estate Plan
Pet Trusts
To my dog Lucky, I leave…
Every year in the United States, over 500,000 pets are orphaned due to the unexpected death or incapacity of their owners. Approximately half of those 500,000 will be euthanized. This is tragic considering 87% of all pet owners consider their pets to be members of their family. There is a new way … [Read more...] about To my dog Lucky, I leave…
Taking Care of Your Pets
I love my dogs. There have been dogs in my family since the day I was born. And most of the time we have had two or three dogs. They are, and always will be, a part of my family. However, most states, including New Mexico and Arizona, consider pets as property. It is an important distinction in … [Read more...] about Taking Care of Your Pets
When Your Life Changes, Your Estate Plan Should Too
Our lives are continually changing. We go from a child to an adult, from single to married, from a couple to a family, from parents to grandparents, from one house to another…etc. Our lives are made up of change. Since your estate plan is created to protect you and your family, it makes sense … [Read more...] about When Your Life Changes, Your Estate Plan Should Too
Amazing Stories from the Go Red Luncheon by New Mexico Attorney, James Plitz
I have been fortunate in my life. I have not had to experience loss, in any real way. But I know many people who have, both from my personal life and my professional life. And because of these experiences, I try to help not only plan people’s estates but to also get involved in the community and … [Read more...] about Amazing Stories from the Go Red Luncheon by New Mexico Attorney, James Plitz
When and What to Tell Your Children About Your Estate Plan
One of the hardest things a parent deals with after they have created their estate plan is talking to their children about their plan. They usually struggle with talking to their kids about how much money they have and how much they plan on leaving behind. But not talking to them is doing a … [Read more...] about When and What to Tell Your Children About Your Estate Plan
Making Arrangements for a Deceased Pet
A beloved pet can truly become a member of the family. They fill our lives with unconditional love, affection and acceptance. Despite our flaws and imperfections, our pets always think we are simply the best! For these reasons, we love our pets and cherish their time with us. Just as you would … [Read more...] about Making Arrangements for a Deceased Pet
Providing for Your Pets…Just in Case!
I read an interesting article on the Humane Society’s website the other day regarding what happens to pets when their owner dies. The most poignant concept I walked away with was that an estimated 100,000 to 500,000 pets are brought to shelters each year after their owner dies. I was astounded by … [Read more...] about Providing for Your Pets…Just in Case!
Italian Woman Gives Over $2.5 Million in Property to Her Dog and Not Her Daughter or Grandchildren
Recently an Italian woman bequeathed all of her property, valued at approximately $2.5 million, to her beloved dog. The 84-year-old woman signed the will and had her lawyer attest to the document in order to ensure her dog receives the best of care if her pet should outlive her. Technically, … [Read more...] about Italian Woman Gives Over $2.5 Million in Property to Her Dog and Not Her Daughter or Grandchildren
Protecting Your Pet’s Future With a Pet Trust
Did you realize that you can ensure your pets are cared for if you are incapacitated or pass away? By creating a pet trust you can ensure that you’re beloved dog, cat, bird or any other pet, is provided for in the manner you feel is best. We love our pets. In fact, American’s spend billions of … [Read more...] about Protecting Your Pet’s Future With a Pet Trust