What Happens to Fido? PROTECTING PETS IN YOUR ESTATE PLAN plan before writing it into your will. After all, an unwilling pet guardian might surrender the animal — the exact scenario you want to avoid. And if no one wants Fluffy, you can make arrangements with an animal sanctuary or other organization dedicated to orphaned pets. Pets are expensive, so you’ll also need to consider funding. Unfortunately, you can’t directly leave your pet money. Regardless of how you feel about them, the law considers them property — and your cat cannot have a bank account or own a house any more than your refrigerator can. But you can dedicate funds to caring for your pet after your passing, if you wish. These arrangements can range from informal to legally binding. Some pet parents choose to leave their pet to a friend with a specified dollar amount to offset costs. Others create a pet trust, a fund for a caretaker to look after your pet per your wishes. Pet trusts are legally binding and can be highly detailed. The downside is that one is pricey to create and can’t change with shifting circumstances. Discuss the options thoroughly with your estate planning attorney before pursuing a pet trust. No matter what you decide, factoring your pets into your estate plan is the only way to ensure they have a happy life after you’re gone. And a relationship that significant isn’t one you want to leave up to chance.
Have you ever heard a tale about an eccentric wealthy person who left everything they owned to their pet? It’s a rare, if amusing, turn of events, but it raises a worthwhile question. If your pets were to outlive you, who would care for them? Many pets sadly end up in shelters annually when their owners pass away. And the pets themselves are often older, making them less likely to be adopted into a new home. The idea of your fluffy friend having nowhere to go is heartbreaking. But like with children and everything else we hold dear, there are ways to protect furry family members in your estate plan. The most urgent matter to resolve is who will care for your pet in your absence. You should consider whom you can trust to love your pet (almost) as much as you do and keep their best interests in mind. Then, discuss with that person to ensure they’re on board with your
Great Truths
Roasted Pork Loin With Apples Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
• 4 lbs pork loin • 2 tsp garlic powder • 2 tsp salt, divided • 1 tsp black pepper • 8 apples • 2 red onions • 3 garlic cloves • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp cinnamon • 3 tbsp butter, softened Ingredients
Directions
1. In a large bowl, season pork loin with garlic powder, 1 ½ tsp salt, and pepper, then cover and place in refrigerator for 30 minutes. 2. Preheat oven to 425 F. 3. Slice apples and onions, then chop garlic cloves. Season with brown sugar, olive oil, remaining salt, and cinnamon. 4. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, place a layer of apples and onions in the pan, put pork loin on top, then place remaining apples and onions around it. 5. Break butter into small pieces and place them on the pork loin and apples. Place dish in oven and let it bake for 15 minutes. 6. Reduce the heat to 350 F, then continue to bake for 60 minutes. 7. Remove dish and stir apples and onions. 8. Increase heat to 450 F, put dish in oven, and roast for an additional 8–10 minutes.
“The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools.” –Herbert Spencer PHILOSOPHER (1820–1903)
www.eversolelaw.com
3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator