For many people, pets are constant companions, an endless source of joy, and beloved members of the family. While you spend a lot of time ensuring that your pets are happy and healthy, have you thought about what will become of them if something happens to you? Fortunately, a will allows you to provide for them even after you’re gone.

Estate Planning With Pets

Leaving Instructions in Your Will

Contrary to Hollywood depictions of eccentric owners leaving vast estates to their pets, estate law won’t allow you to name animals as beneficiaries in your will. However, you will have the opportunity to choose who takes ownership of your pet, and leave some money for food, veterinary bills, and other expenses. Bear in mind, this route provides no guarantee that the funds from your estate will be used to care for your pet, so choose someone you trust.

Establishing a Trust

Although establishing a trust is more complex, it does provide legal recourse if the money you leave behind isn’t spent on your pet. Establishing a legal trust may also be a good option if you intend to leave behind a significant sum of money for pet care, which should be disbursed over several years.

What Happens If Your Will Doesn’t Mention Your Pets

If you neglect to name someone to take care of your pet in your will, they’ll be given to the residuary beneficiary, the person who gets everything not specifically mentioned in your estate plan. After that, you have no control over what happens to your beloved pet, so you should consider writing or revising your will now to include them.

Estate planning is complicated, so seek help from Wills and Trusts Hawaii, a Honolulu law firm with over 30 years of experience providing detailed guidance and solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. The future is unpredictable, but they can provide security and peace of mind for you, your pets, and your family. To start your estate plan and schedule a free initial consultation, call their offices at (808) 792-8777 or visit their website today.