Question
Hi! My question is to confirm what happens to my dog if I die without a signed will in place. I am not married, so I believe my parents will take ownership of all my assets/belongings. Some legal articles online state that a pet is treated like the rest of the deceased's property, which means my dog will also go to my parents by default. Can you confirm this, please?
Answer
A decedent’s next of kin will generally inherit the decedent’s animals unless there is a will or trust that provides otherwise or the animal was rehomed prior to the decedent’s death, in which case the decedent no longer owned the animal. Disputes sometimes arise between a decedent’s next of kin and a person who claims that the animal was given to him/her before the decedent’s death. It is prudent to have a will or trust in place.
PLEASE NOTE: Responses to legal inquiries are not meant to replace seeking legal advice from an attorney in your state. The materials in this website and any responses to questions are for informational purposes only and are not intended, nor should they be construed, as legal advice. This website, the information contained herein, and any responses to questions directed to this column are not intended to create and do not establish an attorney-client relationship. You should not rely or act upon any information provided on this website or in any response to your inquiry without seeking the advice of an attorney in your state regarding the facts of your specific situation.
Send Your Pet Legal Question Now!
Elinor will field as many questions as she can and they will be posted here on this site. Due to the volume of questions received, not all questions are answered. However, many individuals have similar questions. You may find helpful information in the categories listed below.