Page 8 - Southern Exposure - November '20

Page 8, Southern Exposure BW

elder eState planning

Three Famous Pet Trust Cases And

The Lessons We Can Learn From Them

Submitted by Anné Desormier-Cartwright, JD
Things don’t always $13 million directly to the cat in her will and named her pass on. To learn more about your options, give us a call
go according to plan. On own nurse as caretaker. She passed away in 2011 at the today.
the other hand, sometimes ripe old age of 94, knowing her beloved Tommaso would If you have questions about this or your estate plan
pet owners can get a bit be well taken care of. and what documents are necessary, schedule a free
creative when providing for Lesson learned: The best way to ensure the care of consultation today by calling our office at (561) 694-
their pets. Let’s take a look your pet is in writing, with a proper estate plan. 7827, Anné Desormier-Cartwright, Esq., Elder and Estate
now at three famous cases Patricia O’Neill And Kalu Planning Attorneys PA, 480 Maplewood Drive, Suite 3,
involving pet trusts and Patricia O’Neill, daughter of British nobility and Jupiter, FL 33458.
distill important lessons ex-spouse of Olympian Frank O’Neill, had designated The content of this article is general and should not be
from them. a fortune worth $70 million to her chimpanzee, Kalu relied upon without review of your specific circumstances
David Harper And Red and other pets, in her will – or so she thought. It was by competent legal counsel. Reliance on the information
David Harper, a wealthy, discovered in 2010 that the heiress herself was virtually herein is at your own risk, as it expresses no opinion by
reclusive bachelor in Ottawa, Canada, wasn’t exactly broke, thanks to the shady dealings of a dishonest financial the firm on your specific circumstances or legal needs.
famous during his life. In his death, however, he made advisor. This story provides perhaps the most famous An attorney client relationship is not created through the
headlines by reportedly leaving his entire $1.1 million example of a pet trust gone dry while the owner is still information provided herein.
dollar estate to his tabby cat, Red. Just to make sure his living. To comply with the U.S. Treasury regulations, we must
wishes were carried out, Harper actually bequeathed Lessons learned: You can only give away what you inform you that (i) any U.S. federal tax advice contained
the fortune to the United Church of Canada under the have. If caring for your pets after your death is important in this newsletter was not intended or written to be used,
stipulation that they take care of Red for him! The ploy to you, make sure your financial plan is in line with your and cannot be used, by any person for the purpose of
worked. estate plan and that you’ve taken appropriate steps to avoiding U.S. federal tax penalties that may be imposed
Lesson learned: You can be creative in your approach oversee your advisors. on such person and (ii) each taxpayer should seek advice
to making sure your pets receive proper care after you’re Establishing a pet trust is the best way to ensure that from their tax advisor based on the taxpayer’s particular
gone. Let’s chat about your goals and wishes when it your beloved pets receive the care they deserve after you circumstances.
comes to your pets.
Maria Assunta And Tommaso
In a four-legged and furry version of the classic rags-
to-riches story, wealthy Italian widow Maria Assunta
rescued a stray cat from the streets of Rome and gave
him a proper home and name: Tommaso. As Assunta’s
health failed, she tried for several years to find an animal
organization to entrust Tommaso. When no suitable
organization was found, Assunta left the estate valued at

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