For most owners, their pets are as much a part of their family as their own relatives. Our pets provide us with much-needed levity, companionship and unconditional love. It is only natural that an owner would want to provide for their pets in their will. However, under the laws of all 50 states, a pet owner can’t leave any part of his or her estate outright to a pet. That said, you may leave a sum of money to the person or trustee designated to care for your pet with a request that the money only be spent to care for your pet. And as it so happens, there are 10 ways you can include your pet in your New York estate plan. For more information, please read on, then contact a skilled Putnam County wills attorney to discuss your options.
How can you provide for your pet in your New York estate plan?
- Set up a Testamentary Trust in your Will
- Make conditional bequests
- Make a direct bequest to an individual who agrees to use the funds to care for the pet
- Locate a shelter or humane organization in your area to help find a family to adopt your pet if you can’t find an individual you trust
- State in your Will that your pets may not be used for medical research or product testing
- Discuss your plans in advance with the trustees, caretakers, executors and organizations
- Make a significant contribution to the lives of thousands of animals by remembering your favorite animal charity
- Include a no-contest clause in your Will
- The Will should state that the costs of food, veterinary care, transportation and other expenses incurred by the Executor in caring for your pet should be paid from the estate
- The Executor should be given copies of all applicable instructions to cover the interim period before letters testamentary are obtained
If you would like to implement these or any other estate planning matters, you should reach out to a skilled Putnam County estate planning attorney to discuss what steps you should take.
How can a New York estate plan attorney help your pet?
A competent estate planning attorney from our firm will ensure that you understand your rights and responsibilities so that you can make informed decisions. Once we help you decide on your preferred course of action, we will help you draft your Will in the most legally-binding and uncontestable language that can be managed. Let us handle the legal work. Please give us a call today.
Contact our Firm
If you or a loved one needs assistance creating an estate plan and wish to speak with an experienced attorney, contact the Law Office of Andres D. Gil, PLLC today.