For millions of Americans, pets are beloved members of the family, and many people couldn’t imagine life without them. However, it’s important to consider what would happen to your pets if something happened to you. Who would take care of them, and would they have enough money to provide everything your pets need? Meeting with an estate planning attorney will help you continue caring for your animals even after you’re gone.

A Guide to Including Pets in an Estate Plan

Choosing a Caretaker

As unfair as it may seem, the law considers your pets to be personal property under the law, subject to the same distribution laws as a sofa or car. Writing a will allows you to decide who will receive your pets, so you can choose someone who will give them the love they deserve. Otherwise, they’ll likely be distributed according to your state’s intestate laws, and they may not go to the person you would have picked.

Leaving Money for Pet Expenses

When writing your will, you may choose to leave your pet’s caretakers enough money to cover food, toys, boarding, and vet bills. However, there are no enforcement mechanisms to ensure they spend this money on your pets, so you should only pursue this route if you trust the caretaker you’ve chosen.

Establishing a Pet Trust

Setting up a pet trust is a more complex legal process than writing a will, but it is the best way to ensure they’re cared for. A trust is essentially a separate legal entity dedicated to using your assets for the benefit of a beneficiary, such as your pets. Your estate planning attorney can help decide whether a trust or will is best for your situation.

If you need an estate planning attorney to ensure that your pets and other loved ones are properly cared for after you’re gone, turn to the Rutherford Law Office. They give clients throughout Chillicothe, OH, the personalized attention and detailed legal guidance these crucial matters deserve. Beyond estate planning, they also help with Medicaid and family law disputes. Visit their website to learn more about their attorneys. To schedule a consultation with an estate planning attorney today, call (740) 775-7434.