Elder Care Attorney, Mindy Felinton provides insight into the growing popularity of providing for the well-being of furry, feathered and other non-human family members through the inclusion of pet trusts in estate planning and asset protection plans.
Delray Beach, FL November 14, 2019: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new blog on her law firm’s website entitled “Protecting Furry And Feathered Family Members Is Now Mainstream.” Ms. Felinton, an avowed pet lover, emphasizes the importance of clearly specifying instructions in pet trusts.
Felinton states, “We are a nation of pet lovers considering that more than two thirds of American households own pets.” She continues, “Annually, we spend more than $50 billion on the care of our pets. We give our pets birthday presents. We have professional photographs taken and we dress them up in costumes for Halloween.” “According to several studies,” says Felinton, “many Americans are more distressed when they see a dog or other pet in pain than when they see an adult human in pain. It is true that our household pets are an integral and important part of the family unit.”
According to Felinton, “Some states include pets in divorce settlements.” “In fact,” she goes on to reveal, “according to an article in The New Republic, back in 2017, “the Illinois state house passed a law that would force divorce courts not just to divvy pets up between their “parents” in a custody battle, but to think about their well-being, too.” Felinton continues adding, “The article also points out that in Alaska, judges are required to consider the well-being of pets in divorce judgements and they can also assign joint custody over an animal.”
The entire blog can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/protecting-furry-and-feathered-family-members-is-now-mainstream/
About Mindy Felinton
From a young age, Mindy wanted to be the voice that would make an impact in people’s lives. She became an attorney and has practiced law for over 30 years, so that she could fulfill her desire to help others. As a special prosecutor, Mindy defended the underdog (literally) in cases of animal abuse. As a state attorney in Florida she fought for justice. During the last 25 years, Mindy met many wonderful people who did not know their rights, did not understand the law, and did not know what options were available.
Mindy assists families with Medicaid planning to help with the cost of nursing home care and with obtaining veteran’s benefits to make the cost of care more manageable. She also prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and medical directives. Mindy is passionate about educating both other professionals and the public concerning VA Aid & Attendance benefits, Medicaid benefits, and the use of trusts for the protection of assets. She shares her experience and professional knowledge through free workshops, and as a frequent lecturer at State Bar Conferences.