What Happens to my Pets When I Pass Away?
Death is inevitable, and it happens to everyone. When a pet owner dies, decisions regarding the ownership of the pets must be made. In most situations, pets remain in the same house together with the surviving relatives. Prior preparation is necessary for these instances, as you consider where this pet will be provided with essential needs. What if you pass away without designating how your pet will survive? Discussed below are options you ought to consider regarding your pet before you pass away.
Estate Planning And Pets
If you live alone and you own a pet, your pet may be moved to a new home. With this in mind, you should have a clear plan of how your pet will survive after you die. Plans can be written as a will, or you can instruct a family member on how your pet should be maintained. For pets, oral instructions are also considered.
Nevertheless, a will is better since it provides the legal assurance of what your pet will live after your death. Rarely do disputes happen regarding the maintenance of a pet. Some pet owners go an extra mile and allocate funds for the pets. These funds are used to buy whatever pet needs. For you to create a trustworthy trust, you will need an estate lawyer. Each state has different lawyers who will help you strategize on the ways which your pet will be maintained.
Also, you can take the necessary steps which will help you arrange your affairs after death. In most countries, pets are considered personal property under the law. Hence, ownership is transferred according to the necessary estate laws regarding the property. A pet owner should at least talk to a friend or a relative regarding how a pet should be taken care of in case of death.
Preparing A Caregiver
After planning your estate, consider a caregiver who will give your pet the best care. As a pet owner, ensure that you provide the name of the veterinarian who treats your pet so that he will continue taking care of your pet. Sometimes, a pet owner forgets to issue financial responsibilities, and that is when pet insurance comes in handy. Pet insurance helps in taking care of the financial responsibilities associated with the pet. Likewise, when a pet owner decides who will care for the pet, they should provide updated information to the caregiver for an easy transition. The necessary information includes:
- Medical records,
- Pet insurance policies
- Documents that will aid in taking care of the pet.
Getting legal help
It is necessary to consider all aspects of life. Getting legal help that will help you in identifying what is best for your pet. For any legal help regarding legal advice of your pet, contact our estate planning lawyers at The Mattar Firm today.