Why is it important to include pets in estate planning?

Including pets in estate planning is crucial because many pets are left without care when their owners pass away or become incapacitated. By preparing legal documents, pet owners can ensure their pets are cared for according to their wishes, preventing heartbreak and abandonment.

What steps should I take to plan for my pet in my estate?

First, decide who will care for your pets by discussing with trusted family and friends. If no one can help, look for organizations that align with your values. Once you have a caregiver, you can create a pet trust that includes funds for their care.

How can I ensure my pet's needs are met in my estate plan?

To ensure your pet's needs are met, work with an attorney experienced in pet trusts. Clearly outline your pet's care preferences, including food and routines, in the trust to prevent misunderstandings and ensure your wishes are followed.

What should I discuss with someone I choose to care for my pet?

Have an honest conversation with your chosen caregiver about their willingness and ability to take on the responsibility. Discuss the costs involved and confirm they can provide the necessary care for your pet.

Providing For Pets In Estate Planning

Estate Planning and Pets?

The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge effect on the lives of pets. In the beginning, there was complete lockdown and extended time working from home. Pet adoptions soared. And once over-crowded pet shelters were emptied. It became difficult to find a pet.

Then, during the height of the pandemic tens of thousands of people died. This meant their pets were left behind without anyone to care for them. Many pets were found alone in homes where owners had been hospitalized and subsequently died.

Prior pandemic statistics show more than 500,000 pets were euthanized each year because their parent died or became incapacitated. Our pets are such an important part of our lives. They provide unconditional love and companionship. And their lives are completely disrupted when their owners are no longer there. It’s absolutely heartbreaking.

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that pet owners need to prepare legal documents as part of their estate planning. These documents should address care of their pets in the event of death or disability.

It’s no different than making preparations so your two-legged loved ones are covered If you have an estate and asset protection plan you can include instructions for the needs of your pets as well. If you don’t have any legal plans for your pet or other loved ones, now is a perfect time to address both.

First Things First

Before you speak with an attorney, decide who will care for your pets. Talk with trusted family and friends to see who is willing to take them in. If no one can, look for organizations that share your values and can provide lifelong care. Think of this step as planning for a child or dependent adult. It may take time, but you should decide this before creating a pet trust or estate plan.

Have an honest conversation with the person or organization you choose. Confirm their willingness and ability to handle the responsibility and costs. Your estate plan can then include funds to support your pet’s care and ensure their needs are met.

Work With An Attorney Experienced In Pet Trusts

When creating a trust for your pet, your attorney must be very clear in order to ensure that your wishes will be enacted appropriately. There are many instances in which directives were not spelled out and subsequently the pets ended up in shelters or not being properly buried. A thorough attorney will ask about food preferences for your pets as well as walking routines. Anything that is important to your pet must be specifically mentioned in your pet trust.

I encourage you to reach out to our firm at 404-370-0696 to ensure that your beloved pets will be properly cared for in the event of your passing or should you become incapacitated and unable to care for them.

Looking to find an experienced estate lawyer in the Georgia area who is skilled in asset protection and estate plan preparation? Shannon Pawley is an attorney in Georgia with expertise in estate planning and asset protection. Shannon can provide assistance with creating an estate plan to include making a will and how to establish a trust properly. If you have questions about asset protection or questions about making an estate plan, reach out to Shannon and she will be glad to help answer all the estate planning questions you might have!

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