Leaving something for your cats or dogs when you pass away

I've been investigating this since I have recently been putting my will together.  If you live in Singapore, you need to realise that if you want to leave something for your animals, it is somewhat difficult.  This is because when you die, your assets will be frozen until the probate period is over and the funds are released.  Unless you have someone willing to step in to help during this period, your animals will not have access to funds for their well being.

Your will does not recognise the welfare of animals therefore if you want to leave your animals to someone or if you want someone to take care of them or inherit them, this is only written as a wish.  There is no obligation for the recipient to take on that responsibility.  Since this would apply to my case, I had to think long and hard what to do when it happens.

In Singapore, parents will buy life insurance for their children as life insurance will by pass the probate so that the children will have money straight away to continue on with their life.  Usually, a trust is set up for them as well.  Unfortunately, Singapore does not recognise a trust fund set up for animals.  As I am an Australian citizen and I am not sure which country I will be living in when I pass away, I decided to purchase life insurance that would pay to a trust fund set up in Australia  as sole beneficiary when I pass away.  The trust fund in Australia will then distribute the money to the guardian of the cats.  My sister has been named the guardian of the cats and she will receive the money for their welfare.  As this is a legally binding agreement, it means that the guardian and trust fund has to carry out their duties.  It also means that you have provided enough money (hopefully) for their welfare and it is not a burden for the guardian who has been 'forced' to inherit and take care of the cats.

In my case, I have asked the guardian to fly the cats back to Australia (if they are not already living there) and set them up in a home which she will rent.  She will also pay for a care taker to take care of them so that they are comfortable for the rest of their lives.  The insurance pay out is SGD$500,000 and as I hope to keep my cat population to less than 6, I think the funds should be adequate for their remaining lives.

This is something you should think about if you love them and want to ensure they are taken care of when you are no longer around.  If you know of a less complicated way, do let me know as I have explored all options with the lawyers here in Singapore.

Lynette