Did you ever consider what would happen to your pets when you're not around anymore? Let me tell you about a rather unusual yet heartwarming story. There was a Florida woman whose love for her cats was so strong, it survived her—quite literally.
This woman owned a stunning $2.5M mansion and instead of leaving her wealth to family or charity, she chose to leave it to her 7 cats. This unusual bequest was implemented through her will, also known as Estate Planning.
This story brings up a rather forgotten aspect of estate planning - planning for our pets. It might seem eccentric but, in fact, it's a common practice among animal lovers. Pets indeed become a part of our family, and it is essential they receive the same thoughtfulness in our planning.
The woman's story doesn't just resonate with pet owners; it also brings attention to the sheer extent to which we can personalize Estate Planning to accommodate even the smallest elements of our lives.
Imagine if, besides taking care of monetary bequests and properties, we start considering how we can secure the lives of our pets, should they outlive us. What would such a provision look like? Can we make it a common practice?
For those mulling over these questions, stick around as I share deeper insights on this fascinating aspect of Estate Planning - planning for our pets' future.
Do You Need an Estate Planning Attorney?
If you or your family have a pet that you want to make sure is in your estate plan, let's schedule a Legal Strategy Session online or by calling my Edina, Minnesota office at (612) 294-6982 or my New York City office at (646) 847-3560. My office will be happy to find a convenient time for us to have a phone call to review the best options and next steps for you to work with an estate planning attorney to get your plan prepared and implemented.
