You may be in the process of organising your estate, writing your Will and deciding what your beneficiaries will inherit, but have you considered your pets’ future?
Your furry, scaled and feathered friends are an extension of your family because of the love you give and receive.
It is this relationship that should encourage you to ensure they will still be loved and cared for when you pass away.
How do I clarify my plans for my pets?
In England and Wales, pets are legally considered personal property, meaning they can be included in your Will and assigned to a beneficiary of your choice.
However, you need to consider who is best to look after your pets, who has built a relationship with them, knows what they like, can meet their needs and has the capabilities to look after them.
It is always best to speak with beneficiaries and clarify if they are happy to look after your pets. Open and honest conversations mean you can discuss your plans with intended beneficiaries and ensure your wishes are fulfilled.
If any beneficiary has concerns about costs, you can support them by leaving an additional lump sum to cover care such as food and any vet treatment.
It ensures your beneficiaries have peace of mind and your pets are in the very best hands.
What can happen if my pets are not included in my Will?
Not including your pets in your Will puts their future in doubt and could mean your wishes are not carried out.
Family members will likely take control of your pets’ future. They will decide between themselves who will look after them and if no one has the capabilities to do so, your pets could be taken to an animal shelter.
This can be a very emotional and distressing time for your family, which is why you need to take control and safeguard your pets’ future in the way you want it to be.
If you pass away without leaving a Will, the rules of intestacy take effect. This is risky, especially if you are no longer with your spouse.
Under the rules of intestacy, they would inherit your estate and everything that comes with it, including your pets.
Having a Will ensures your wishes are followed by law and you can relax knowing your pets will be looked after and have a secure future.
It is also important to update an existing Will to include information about your pets. That way, you have control and their future isn’t addressed by chance.
Need support organising your estate?
Estate planning is important and the Palmers Law team can support you and confirm everything you want is included and your estate is organised and prepared.
We can also help you create and update your Will, accounting for all assets and property, including your pets.
We want to give you complete peace of mind knowing they will be looked after and can still live a happy life full of fun, food and love. For support writing your Will and organising your estate, contact our team today.
