When asked why they want have a Will, many people tell me it is because they want to avoid probate. A Will, however, never avoids probate. It only becomes effective once you have died and a probate estate has been opened with the Probate Court. The Will then serves as your instructions to the Court as to how you want your estate distributed.
Not everyone needs to avoid probate. However, if you want to avoid probate you need to do something other than having a Will.
Have you made arrangements for someone to care for your pets if you become incapacitated? Who will care for them when you die? Have you set aside funds to cover the cost of caring for your pets? What rescue/shelter/organization would you like to have your pets if no one is able or willing to care for them?
These are many of the questions that need to be answered if you have pets. The answer might be to have a Pet Guardian Agreement and/or a Pet Trust.
For more information about planning for your pets, visit Fido’s Future, a site dedicated to educating pet parents about how to protect their pets through planning.