Ms. Marshel was very concerned that her beloved animals, who she called her "cherished children," were cared for after her death. She had horses, dogs, cats, goats, pigs, and other animals that she cared for on her Riverside County property. She named one of her most trusted friends as caretaker for the pets. She named other friends and relatives as co-trustees over the trust assets. A son whom she adopted out early in life, came back into her life shortly before her death. The estranged son … [Read more...] about Defending a Pet Trust
Leona Helmsley’s Unusual Pet Trust
Trouble, the white Maltese owned by Leona Helmsley, the New York hotel heiress known as the “queen of mean,” has died. Helmsley’s estate plan created a Pet Trust for Trouble, funded with $12 million from her estate. A judge later reduced the amount of the gift to $2 million. Another unusual provision that was nixed by government authorities was a provision in Helmsley’s Will that the dog be buried with her upon its death. New York state law prohibits animals from being buried in a cemetery for … [Read more...] about Leona Helmsley’s Unusual Pet Trust
