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.