Consider making a will and appointing someone to look after pets.
Advance life planning – COVID has brought many a new normal into our lives including a boom in pet ownership.
More than two million Australian households have acquired a pet since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, says Aussie Pet Doors. According to recent surveys carried out by Animal Medicines Australia, nearly 70 percent of all Aussie households own a pet; of that 70 percent, 50 percent own a dog.
However, people may fail to plan for what happens to their beloved pets when they pass.
Recently, Queen Elizabeth passed away, and she left her beloved dogs. In the media, it is assumed that Duke Andrew and his ex-wife will take care of the Queen’s two corgi pups. They will live with the divorced couple at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, England. The Duke and Duchess gifted the dogs to the Queen in 2021.
This is the preferred outcome where family members wish to take care of those pets which belonged to the Queens. However, in other cases, family members do not wish to take over the pets.
Continue the love, and make sure your wishes are known for how you want your pets and furry friends to be taken care of after you’re gone.
Making a Will is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family, but just as important is the conversation you have with a solicitor before you make a will.
By making a Will or an Enduring Power of Attorney (if you lose the capacity to make decisions) you can put plans in place to create a better future for your pets if something happens to you.
HOW DO I MAKE MY WISHES KNOWN?
- Make a will
- Make your enduring power of attorney
An Enduring Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become seriously ill or have an accident and lose capacity.
Your Financial Attorney is responsible for:
• Paying bills such as your rent, electricity, pet food, medical and vet expenses
• Managing your investments
• Preparing your tax returns.
Your attorney for personal and health matters is responsible for:
• Where you live and who will care for you
• Certain medical decisions, treatment options, and medicines.
- Have conversations with those you trust
Once you’ve made your Will and Enduring Power of Attorney, it’s a good idea to have a conversation with those you trust, so they can support your wishes in the future.
Your wishes may include:
• Who will care for your pets
• Where you will be cared for – in your home or in a care facility
• Funeral arrangements – including if you want to be buried or cremated
• Who is to be your Executor and your Attorney.
You want to make sure your Will is valid and that it is properly drawn up. This can be done through professionals. A solicitor will let you know about your rights and obligations and make sure that you have expressed your wishes in the best possible. Therefore, it is important to make a will through professionals.
Discuss this today. Contact Phoenix Law & Associate. Call 1800-GET-HELP Level 16 / 300 Adelaide Street, Brisbane. Read more at https://www.phoenix-law.com.au/ #phoenixlaw #brisbane #property #familylaw #will #pets
