New Jersey Statutes Annotated Currentness. Title 3B. Administration of Estates--Decedents and
Others. Chapter 11. Trusts and Trustees. Article 6. Trusts for Domesticated Animals. 3B:11-38.
Trusts for care of domesticated animals

Citation: NJ ST 3B:11-38

Citation: N. J. S. A. 3B:11-38

Summary: This New Jersey statute provides that a trust for the care of a domesticated animal
is valid. Trusts under this section terminate when no living animal is covered by the trust, or
at the end of 21 years, whichever occurs earlier. The statute also provides that no portion of
the trust's principal or income may be converted to the use of the trustee or to any use other
than for the benefit of the animal designated in the trust. The court may reduce the amount of
the property transferred if it determines that the amount substantially exceeds the amount
required for the intended use.

Statute in Full:
a. A trust for the care of a domesticated animal is valid. The intended use of the principal or
income may be enforced by a person designated for that purpose in the trust instrument, a person
appointed by the court, or a trustee. The trust shall terminate when no living animal is covered
by the trust, or at the end of 21 years, whichever occurs earlier.

b. Except as expressly provided otherwise in the trust instrument, no portion of the trust's
principal or income may be converted to the use of the trustee or to any use other than for the
benefit of the animal designated in the trust.

c. Upon termination of the trust, the trustee shall transfer the unexpended trust property as
directed in the trust instrument. If no directions for such transfer exist, the property shall
pass to the estate of the creator of the trust.

d. The court may reduce the amount of the property transferred if it determines that the amount
substantially exceeds the amount required for the intended use. The amount of any reduction
shall be transferred as directed in the trust instrument or, if no such directions are contained
in the trust instrument, to the estate of the creator of the trust.

e. If no trustee is designated or if no designated trustee is willing or able to serve, a court
shall appoint a trustee and may make such other orders and determinations as are advisable to
carry out the intent of the creator of the trust and the purpose of this act.

CREDIT(S)

L.2001, c. 144, § 1, eff. July 10, 2001.