Wills and probate news: Provisions for pets discussed

Those interested in wills and probate matters have been told that one commentator has discussed the provisions that people make for their pets in the event of their deaths.

Cliff D'Arcy, author of The Financial Times Guide to Managing Your Money, wrote for Lovemoney.com that a recent survey from MORE TH>N Pet Insurance found that British people with pets plan to leave £26 billion to them.

He said that pet inheritance was "absurd" but that people decide to make wills that include their animals as they are concerned that they will be sent to rescue centres if they do not, and want to ensure that they are cared for in the long term.

 "As pets are legally considered part of your possessions, you cannot leave gifts of money directly to them in a will," he said.

However, Mr D'Arcy added that people can leave money for their pets and get a trusted person to administer this amount.

People may also want to leave a sum to charity in their will and ask that they either re-home or care for their pets, such as with the Blue Cross Pets in care scheme.

One celebrity who recently left money in his will to be dedicated to the care of his pets was Alexander McQueen, who gifted £50,000 for this purpose.

Published by Hannah Carr