{"id":6887,"date":"2024-10-29T08:15:37","date_gmt":"2024-10-29T08:15:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/who-gets-my-dogs-when-i-die-if-i-have-no-close-family\/"},"modified":"2024-10-29T08:15:37","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T08:15:37","slug":"who-gets-my-dogs-when-i-die-if-i-have-no-close-family","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=6887","title":{"rendered":"Who Gets My Dogs When I Die if I Have No Close Family?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\"ScoreCard<\/p>\n

Dear Penny,<\/span><\/p>\n

I am a widow with a home, property and two large dogs. My health is fairly good, but I\u2019m getting older and starting to question what moves I should make to secure my future. I have no will, as most of my relatives have passed away. I do have a few grandkids who live far away.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

I do not know where to start on securing my future in case I get ill, owning my home vs. renting (expensive), and whether I should move to another small, SAFE town with medical facilities. If I die, who would get my home, money and so on? My dogs are important, too.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

I\u2019m undecided on what to do and where to start, as I\u2019m not getting any younger and I have no spouse to help with any decisions.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

-C.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Dear C.,<\/p>\n

Focus on the most pressing issue: You don\u2019t have an estate plan. That\u2019s something even healthy young adults should have, but it becomes more important as you age.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a saying in estate planning that if you don\u2019t have a will, your state has one for you. In other words, when you don\u2019t document your wishes, your state\u2019s intestacy laws decide who gets what. If your grandchildren are your closest living relatives, they\u2019d probably inherit your property after a drawn-out probate process. Likewise, if you become unable to make decisions on your own behalf, a court would also appoint someone \u2014 probably your closest living relative \u2014 to make decisions on your behalf.<\/p>\n

My two big concerns are: What would happen to your dogs if you died or became unable to care for them? And who would you want to make decisions for you if you become incapacitated?<\/p>\n

Before you create your estate plan, do a little homework. Is there anyone you think might be willing to care for your dogs if necessary? If so, ask them if you can leave your pups to them in your will.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to note that even though pets are cherished family members for many of us, they\u2019re considered property under the law. That means they can\u2019t inherit money.<\/p>\n

If you find a willing caregiver, the best option would be to set up a pet trust. You can use this document to name a caretaker and leave instructions for the dogs\u2019 care. The advantage of using a pet trust versus simply leaving your dogs to someone in your will is that you can set aside money to be used specifically for your dogs.<\/p>\n

If you can\u2019t find a caregiver, you can look into perpetual pet care programs, like Peace of Mind Dog Rescue<\/a> or the Perpetual Pet Care Program<\/a> at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. In exchange for a donation, they\u2019ll ensure your pets have lifetime care.<\/p>\n

You should also think about whom you\u2019d want to make medical decisions and manage your finances on your behalf if you become incapacitated. You can use a health care proxy to name someone to make health decisions for you, as well as a living will to outline your wishes for your care. You can also use a durable power of attorney document to name someone to handle your financial matters if you can\u2019t. Be sure to ask someone if they\u2019re willing to accept these responsibilities before naming them in a legal document.<\/p>\n

Finally, you need to decide whom you want to inherit your non-pet property and money. If you\u2019re not close with your grandchildren, they don\u2019t need to be your beneficiaries. You could choose a friend or a charity you admire to inherit your assets.<\/p>\n

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If Money\u2019s Heavy on Your Mind\u2026<\/h3>\n

We all know the state of our finances can significantly impact our well-being. Are you struggling to cope with financial stress? First, take a deep breath.<\/p>\n

Then, take a look at our roundup of resources to help you manage your stress and your money. You got this.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Once you\u2019ve made these decisions, it\u2019s time to create a will and other estate planning documents. Ideally, you\u2019ll do so with an attorney. Though plenty of websites let you draw up these documents for $100 or less, these options aren\u2019t exactly airtight. However, they\u2019re better than nothing.<\/p>\n

You have a lot of other big decisions you\u2019re weighing, like whether to move to a new town and renting vs. remaining a homeowner. When you try to make too many decisions at once, you often wind up overwhelmed. Sometimes you don\u2019t do anything as a result.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why I\u2019d focus on making a will and determining who will care for your dogs first. Then you can start to weigh the other decisions you\u2019re considering. Try taking baby steps.<\/p>\n

For example, you could research a few towns that meet the criteria you\u2019re seeking. Make it a goal to visit at least one within a certain time frame \u2014 say, three months \u2014 to see if it better suits your needs.<\/p>\n

Estate planning is a task people put off for obvious reasons. No one likes to think about dying or becoming seriously ill. But it can also be clarifying to contemplate what you want for the end of your life. Once you\u2019ve made those decisions, you may find the decisions that follow are easier as a result.<\/p>\n

Editor\u2019s note: This column was originally published On October 9, 2022.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Robin Hartill is a certified financial planner and a senior writer at The SS. Send your tricky money questions to <\/i>[email\u00a0protected]<\/span><\/i>.<\/i><\/p>\n

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