When most people create a will, they have a standard list of people they would likely go through when it comes to giving away their assets and making sure people are taken care of: their spouse, their children, their closest family, and closest friends. In some cases, a person may not have a pet to consider or may simply not consider their pets as important enough to include in their will. However, a compassionate wills and trusts lawyer, like a wills and trusts lawyer in Sacramento, CA, understands that your pets maybe your best friends and you may consider them your “fur children,” which makes them incredibly important members of your family. You may be wondering what you can do to take care of your pet after you pass away and this guide will go over how to do so.
How can I add a pet to my will?
One of the big reasons many people write a will is so they can transfer property to someone else they trust when they pass away. While you cannot leave property to your pet, you will be happy to hear that you can set money aside and know that someone will take care of them if you pass away first. The thing to remember is that you cannot will this directly to your pet. Instead, you must write in your will precisely who you wish to take care of your fur child and the kind of money you wish to set aside for them to use so that they can take care of your pet as you see fit.
Can I set up a trust?
Yes, and this is a great way to ensure that your pet is well-looked-after once you pass away. A trust for your pet can ensure that you have a caretaker in place that you have specifically chosen and that you can afford this caretaker with certain allowances like:
- Medical expenses
- Training expenses
- Food, toys, and other living expenses
Further, setting up a trust can allow you a way to make decisions when it comes to the end of your pet’s life. If they have a certain medical condition, you may wish to discuss end-of-life care and how you wish for them to be treated medically, as well as where and how you prefer they be buried. A trust is a way to know that your pet will be cared for while not burdening someone else with the specific costs that you would have paid when it comes to your pet.
When it comes to setting up a will for your pet, you may be wondering if a will or a trust is a better option, or if it is possible to do both. For more information on how a will is created, contact an attorney today.
Thanks to Yee Law Group, PC for their insight into how to write a will while keeping your pet in mind.
