3 Estate Planning Tips for Pet Owners

Pets can be family. Our estate planning attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks can understand that. Keep reading for a few estate planning tips for pet owners. When it comes to working pets into your estate plan, it can be complicated. Call Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, and Welch at 573-346-7231 today for your free consultation.


3 Estate Planning Tips for Pet Owners


1. You need to know that you can't legally leave money or assets behind to a pet because they don't have the legal capacity to own property, but:

  • You can leave money to a person you have designated to take care of your pet to use for that pet.

2. Consider opening a pet trust. 
A pet trust is a formal agreement drawn up for that care and well being of the pet. If you become at a point where you can't take care of your pet, whether you have passed away or acquire an illness that makes it to where you can't care for your pet, then this agreement could go into effect and allow for a person of your choosing to care for your pet, someone you trust. This agreement could prevent your pet from being put in a shelter or given to someone you don't trust when you are no longer able to speak for yourself.

 3. Determine what it truly costs to take care of your pet.
Think about all of the costs that go into caring for your pet, such as:

  • Food Costs
  • Grooming Costs
  • Vet Visit Costs
  • Required Shots
  • Emergency Vet Costs
...and more. Use this knowledge to determine how much money to keep in a pet trust, so when the time comes, there is enough to care for your pet.

PMCW Law Loves Our Pets


We understand that pets can be family. Not everyone has a pet, but those that do, who truly enjoy the companionship that pet ownership can bring, know what this feels like - pets are family. So, it is only natural to want to leave something for them in your will or just to make sure they are taken care of in the event that you can no longer care for them. It is hard to think about this sort of thing because it can feel depressing, but the reality is that you should. If you don't make your wishes known now, how will you do so when you are no longer around?  There is no harm in seeing an experienced Camden County estate planning lawyer for a free consultation. Ask the questions you need to ask and get your estate plan in order as soon as possible.


Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. 

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

85 Court Circle N.W., P.O. Box 559
Camdenton, MO 65020   GET A MAP
(573) 346-7231 - Telephone
(888) 236-2485 - Toll-Free
(573) 346-4411 - Fax

Location: Camdenton, MO 65020, USA

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