Monday, September 26, 2011

Estate Planning and the Charles River White Geese

A very major defect in Massachusetts law has existed concerning binding transfers for the benefit of animals.

The state legislature and the governor have recently added Chapter 203, section 3C to the General Laws.

Under this wording, trust conveyances can be made for the care of animals alive during the donor’s lifetime. The money cannot be retained beyond the death of the last surviving animal alive during the donor’s lifetime (legally important words). I have recently had a report by a caregiver of White Chinas living into their 30's.

Almost all of the Charles River White Geese have the appearance of White China Geese or of Emden Geese or of their progeny.

The trust can be created during the donor’s lifetime or by will at the time of death.