Who Will Care for Your Pet After Your Passing?
October 25, 2012 By Law Office of Roy W. Litherland
Because of the fact that pets live relatively short life spans as compared to humans, you may think that it is not necessary to consider the future of your pet when you are planning your estate. Perhaps this is true for some younger people who essentially co-own their dog, cat, horse or other animal with other immediate family members.
However, if you are single it is a good idea to make sure that there is someone in place to care for your pet in the event of your unexpected passing, even if you are a relatively young adult.
As a senior citizen who owns a pet, you absolutely must include your pet in your estate plan. The first order of business will be to identify the individual that you would like to see care for your furry friend after you pass away.
This can be simple for some people who have a pet sitter in place already. For others, the task can be a little bit more challenging. If you simply don't know anyone who would be willing to care for your pet, you could approach an animal placement facility and try to work something out, perhaps offering a donation in return for a promise to find the animal a home should it become necessary.
There is also the financial aspect to consider. If you do find a caretaker, you are going to want to provide this individual with the funds that will be necessary to pay for expenses incurred while caring for the pet.
One way of going about this would be to create a pet trust for the benefit of the animal. These vehicles are becoming very popular and you can be certain that your pet will be provided for come what may if you establish such a trust.
Pets can actually be a wonderful addition to the lives of senior citizens, and with the proper planning you can be sure that your pet is well cared for after your passing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Roy W. Litherland
Experienced estate planning attorneys Campbell CA of the Law Office of Roy W. Litherland offers estate planning and business planning resources to residents of Campbell CA.
Copyright Law Office of Roy W. Litherland
More information about Law Office of Roy W. Litherland
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
As a senior citizen who owns a pet, you absolutely must include your pet in your estate plan. The first order of business will be to identify the individual that you would like to see care for your furry friend after you pass away.
This can be simple for some people who have a pet sitter in place already. For others, the task can be a little bit more challenging. If you simply don't know anyone who would be willing to care for your pet, you could approach an animal placement facility and try to work something out, perhaps offering a donation in return for a promise to find the animal a home should it become necessary.
There is also the financial aspect to consider. If you do find a caretaker, you are going to want to provide this individual with the funds that will be necessary to pay for expenses incurred while caring for the pet.
One way of going about this would be to create a pet trust for the benefit of the animal. These vehicles are becoming very popular and you can be certain that your pet will be provided for come what may if you establish such a trust.
Pets can actually be a wonderful addition to the lives of senior citizens, and with the proper planning you can be sure that your pet is well cared for after your passing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Roy W. Litherland
Experienced estate planning attorneys Campbell CA of the Law Office of Roy W. Litherland offers estate planning and business planning resources to residents of Campbell CA.
Copyright Law Office of Roy W. Litherland
More information about Law Office of Roy W. Litherland
View all articles published by Law Office of Roy W. Litherland
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
