Pet owners in Florida may be reasonably concerned about what would happen to their pets if they passed away. Fortunately, one has the option to include instructions for pet care after their death in an estate plan. Information about the pet’s health needs, who would be responsible for the pet after the owner’s death, and how the pet will be cared for financially can all be included in a pet care plan.
What to include in the plan
One of the most important parts of creating a care plan for a pet is to decide who the pet will live with after the owner’s death. It’s important for the owner to speak with the chosen individual to be sure they are open to caring for the pet. When creating a plan for pet care, one should choose a caregiver for an emergency where the owner is incapacitated as well as a long-term caregiver if the owner passes away.
Pet owners may wish to set up a trust to provide financially for the pet’s care after their death. It’s important to include authorization that will allow the chosen caregiver to access the funds as needed. Formalizing this information can provide pet owners with peace of mind that their pets will be cared for.
Seek legal advice
When creating an estate plan that outlines one’s desires for pet care during an emergency or after their death, legal advice can be extremely helpful. Estate plans must be thorough and should align with Florida’s estate planning laws. An experienced attorney can provide guidance on creating a thorough plan that will ensure that one’s pets are taken care of in the event of an emergency or the death of the owner.
