Don’t Forget About Fido!

Regardless if our pets have four legs, feathers, or gills, our “children” are a part of our family. It is only fitting that we make sure that these family members are taken care of upon our deaths. The ASPCA estimates that about 150,000 dogs and cats are abandoned after their owner’s death. So, how can you ensure that your pet is not abandoned?  How can you provide security for your furry child after you are no longer here?

There is a right way and a wrong way to protect your pet when you no longer can. The wrong way is bequeathing cash to a friend along with a request of your friend to care for your pet. Unfortunately, your friend can run off with your pet’s inheritance and there will be no legal consequence to these actions. The right way is to add a pet care trust to your Will or revocable living trust. It can be a very simple addition to your existing estate plan in order to ensure your pet receives its inheritance from you and there are provisions for your pet’s care.  If you need help taking care of “Fido”, call us. We have prepared many pet care trusts covering a spectrum of pets, from cats to parrots.

The dedicated team at Hemness Faller is here to help you put an estate plan in place that protects your loved ones, whether they are two legged, four legged, furry, or feathered. We understand that an estate plan is more than just a means to distribute property upon a person’s death. It can, among many other things, put critical protections in place to help ensure our loved ones are provided for even after we are gone.

For assistance developing a solid estate plan that protects you, your pets, and your loved ones, get in touch with our office. We would love to schedule a meeting to discuss how we can help you meet your goals and protect what is important through a comprehensive estate plan.

Recent Articles

Child Support Impacts SSI Benefit

Child Support Impacts SSI Benefit

When parents with a disabled child gets divorced, often child support is awarded. In fact, child support can be awarded through the divorce to continue on much longer than which is awarded for a child without disabilities. This award of child support is both good and...

Why Estate Plans Need Dementia-Specific Advance Directives

Why Estate Plans Need Dementia-Specific Advance Directives

Advance directives are an estate planning must-have, helping to guide medical decisions for someone who becomes incapacitated and can no longer communicate their preferences. However, they may not be helpful for patients who develop dementia and gradually lose the...

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period Is Almost Here!

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period Is Almost Here!

Are you prepared for the Medicare Open Enrollment period? It is an essential time for beneficiaries to review and adjust their healthcare plans. This annual window, which runs from October 15th to December 7th, allows you to make changes to your Medicare coverage. In...

Shining a Light on Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Shining a Light on Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is a special month dedicated to raising awareness about Down Syndrome, a chromosomal condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Down Syndrome Awareness Month provides a platform for advocates, families, and communities to come together and...