When drafting wills or trusts, most people prioritize property like their house, cars, and financial accounts. As any loving pet-owner knows, however, one beloved and sentimental possession outweighs all of these items — your furry friend. If you have pets, factor them into your estate planning. Here, attorney Debra A. Brown of Torrington, CT, shares what you need to know.

Why Pets Matter in Estate Planning

If you fail to include any directives regarding what should happen to your cat, dog or other animal in your estate plan, they may face an uncertain future when you pass away. If no friend or family member volunteers to take them under their wing, the creature will likely be passed on to a shelter. Of course, it’s possible to get adopted to a loving family from a shelter — but it’s not a guarantee. To prevent this, you need to draw up estate planning documents that specify who should take care of your pet and ensure they have the resources to handle the job. A pet trust is an excellent legal option. 

What Pet Trusts Entail

A pet trust provides details about who should have custody of the animal, how they should be taken care of, and where the funds for their maintenance will come from. The trust can be designed to pay out expenses for upkeep periodically. To ensure sufficient funds, multiply the pet’s estimated remaining lifespan by estimated annual costs. Include everything from food to grooming and veterinary care. You may want to add extra for unexpected or late-life medical expenses. 

How You Should Proceed

Of course, before drafting these documents with a lawyer, talk to the person who you want to take over your animal’s care. You want to make sure that they are equipped to handle this responsibility. 

For assistance with your estate planning needs in Torrington, CT, trust Debra A. Brown. For more than 30 years, this lawyer has been helping clients with everything from health care directives to living wills. Known for personalized client service, she will give your case the attention you deserve. You can contact her online or by calling (860) 496-7717.