LEGAL MATTERS
DOES YOUR
ESTATE PLAN INCLUDE YOUR PETS? Your will and/or trust identifies which loved ones, charities, educational institutions, and/or religious institutions you want to receive money, real estate, and personal property after you die. But what about your pets? After you die, who will take care of "Penny," your beloved dachshund? And will that person have to use their own money to pay for things like food, veterinarian fees, boarding, etc.? The answer is yes unless your will provides them with funds to take care of her. Many people feel like their pets are a member of the family. But the law does not agree. Instead, pets are treated as personal property. According to The Humane Society of the United States, your will or trust should identify the folks that will care for your pets and provide the funds they will need to care for them. If you don't do
that, "Penny" might become homeless and end up in an animal shelter. To help pet owners ensure that their wishes for their pets' care won't be forgotten, misconstrued, or ignored, The Humane Society has created a printable fact sheet, "Providing for Your Pet's Future Without You." The five-page fact sheet, available in English and Spanish, provides sample language for including pets in wills and trusts, plus suggestions on protecting pets through a power of attorney. The Humane Society says that people incorrectly assume that a long-ago verbal promise from a friend, relative, or neighbor to provide a home for a pet will be honored years later. Even individuals who include their pets in their will and/or trust may neglect to plan for pet care during incapacity. So, contact your attorney now to protect your pet from becoming homeless. Scott Selis, Elder Law Attorney, estate planning, probate, long-term care, government benefits, (Medicaid, Veteran’s benefits.. Scott was Assistant Chair of Florida Bar’s Elder Law section, and Elder Law Attorney of the Year 2016.
With empathy and compassion, Selis Law Firm helps bring peace of mind to families of all ages as they plan for illness, disability and death.
ESTATE PLANNING ELDER LAW
Ormond Beach & Palm Coast
SelisLaw.com
PROBATE
866-7-ELDERS or 386-888-6060 Aging Times Magazine | April 2022
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