Mount Pleasant Pets 2021-22

II www.MountPleasant.pet | www.MPVets.pet | www.MTPleasant.pet F E A T U R E Contrary to what Hollywood might show us, wills aren’t only for the affluent. An individual of any financial stand- ing can arrange for the care of their estate, their finances, a single possession and, yes, even pets. According to Kelsey Willey of Willey Law Firm on Sulli- van’s Island, “What typically happens is that people say they don’t need a will because they don’t have anything to give, and then no one knows where or how that person wanted their money or estate distributed,” she said. “Most people only think of wills in terms of assets and don’t always think of their pets.” When an individual doesn’t have a will—or a directive for their pet—South Carolina state law determines where their personal property goes, animal included. According to Bryan Raymond, partner at Cobb Dill & Hammett, LLC, a person’s lack of planning “can lead to uncertainty and sometimes a delayed period for all their property to pass through probate.” In the duration, your pet could end up in a shelter while they await a new home. Other fates include your pet being given to a foster family, a separat- ed spouse you haven’t legally divorced or other estranged family members. FUR-EVER YOUR FUR BABY PROTECTING PETS AFTER YOU’RE GONE By Teri Errico Griffis