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Providing
for your cat by will ...
Legally,
cats are property. Many cat owners, of course, would disagree.
They feel a true bond with their cats and want to make sure
that when they die, their cat will get loving care and a good
home.
The
best way to accomplish this is to make a formal arrangement.
You should not leave money or other property to your cat,
either through a will or trust. This makes the cat a target.
Instead, the best legal approach is to use your will to leave
your pet (and perhaps some money for the expenses of its care
and feeding) to someone you trust to look out for it.
A
word about money and your chosen caretaker. Be careful when
choosing caretakers. This is important not only for the quality
of care that your cat will receive, but because it would be
easy to misuse the money. Make the amount you set aside high
enough to provide for your cat comfortably so that they are
not a financial burden, but not so high that someone would
be tempted to contest your will just to get the cat and the
money. Also, setting aside too much money might give the caretaker
a financial incentive to not take care of the cat since they
would have the benefit of the money if the cat was gone. Choose
carefully!!!
Make
the bequest of pet and money in a specific bequest or codicil
in your will. Then attach a letter to your will explaining
your wishes to the new caretaker. Include a "How
to care for my cat kit" that includes special instructions
on the care of your pet.
Of
course, you need to make sure that this decision is discussed
in depth and approved by the chosen caretaker before making
such a bequest. Also, make sure that the people that will
deal with your estate know your intentions. This means discussing
the situation with a close friend or relative beforehand.
Example of a will ...
This
is a printable version of a will
sample that can be printed out and adjusted for your own
circumstances. Remember that this is just an example of a
simple will. The laws in each state control whether a will
is valid. Have a lawyer check out your will for any possible
problems.
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