Use A Will Or A Pet Trust For Your Pet Estate Planning?
Should I use a will or a pet trust to plan for my dogs after I am gone?
Donna Cincinnati, Ohio
Donna, a will is a legal document that contains your instructions and wishes as to how to distribute your assets and property after your death. The person who writes a will is called a testator. The will can also appoint individual’s that can serve, if necessary, as a guardian for your minor children and nominate a personal representative to carry out the instructions of your will.
Each state has minimal legal requirements that must be followed for a will to be valid and accepted by the courts. But generally, the will must be made by a competent adult, it must be in writing and signed by the testator and witnessed by a least two other individuals and a notary.
You can include a clause for your pets in your will with the appropriate language, but you need to be fully aware of the possible limitations and drawbacks. In some circumstances, the preparation of a pet trust is more appropriate in your estate planning for your pet. Today the majority of states accept and recognize some form of a pet trust.
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