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

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

5 Reasons To Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney

Image
Criminal charges can turn your life upside down. If you are found guilty, you can suffer numerous consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and effect on your permanent record. If you are facing criminal charges, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can make a world of difference. Consider these reason why you should hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent your case. 1. Your Attorney Understands The Law It's no secret that the legal field is complex. Every law has exceptions, and every circumstance has different specific requirements. You need a criminal defense attorney that has experience dealing with these minute details and can help you use them to build a solid case. 2. Your Attorney Knows The Scene The Missouri Courts are like a world of their own. Each court has its own set of rules, social norms, and strict guidelines governing what behavior is and is not acceptable. If this is your first court case, you can not possibly know all of these unspo
Read more

Legal Tips to Be Aware of When Entering Into a Marriage

Image
Congratulations! It is 2019 and this is the year you are getting married. Among all of the wedding planning, you probably haven't had time to think about the legal side of getting married. While it is not the most glamorous side, it is worth taking a look into. For example, has your fiance brought up the notion of signing a prenuptial agreement (prenup)? It is best to know what all comes with a prenuptial agreement and the advantages and disadvantages of choosing to sign one. Our attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give you a few legal tips to be aware of when entering into a marriage. If you find yourself need a prenuptial agreement drawn up, call Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, and Welch   today for your free consultation at 573-346-7231. Legal Tips to Be Aware of When Entering Into a Marriage Do You Plan to Legally Change Your Name After You Get Married? If you plan to change your legal name after marriage, here is what you need to do. According to the Misso
Read more

Consequences Of Having A Criminal Record

Image
If you are facing criminal charges, it is imperative that you contact one of our criminal defense attorneys in Camden County MO immediately. Criminal law is complex and involved, and representing yourself can be challenging, overwhelming, and risky. Regardless of whether or not you actually committed the crime in question, being found guilty can negatively impact your life for years to come. Here is a look at some of the consequences that may result from having a criminal record. Difficulty Getting Accepted Into Schools Schools have a moral and ethical responsibility to keep their students, faculty, and staff safe. On the applications for almost every university or college, applicants must list whether or not they have been convicted of a crime in the past. If the answer is yes, the applicants may experience greater difficulty getting accepted into the schools of their choice. These challenges pursuing higher education may, in turn, make it more difficult to find quality
Read more