A Maltese dog named Trouble, owned by the “Queen of Mean” hotelier and real estate billionairess Leona Helmsley, has been bequeathed an inheritance of 12 million dollars by her owner’s will. After living the pampered pet life, Trouble will be buried next to Helmsley in a mausoleum.
Alvin Rosenthal, Helmsley’s brother, was named as the dog’s caretaker after Helmsley’s death, and received a large inheritance. Meanwhile, the will omitted any bequests to two of Helmsley’s grandchildren.
Because pets are considered property, they cannot legally inherit. Trouble’s care will be provided through a pet trust. A pet trust was established by Helmsley (the grantor),who left money to a trustee to make payments to the designated caretaker for the lifetime of the pet. Any remaining assets at the death of the pet usually go to a charity but they can also be paid to surviving family members if desired.
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