What Happens to Your Pets When You’re Gone? Including Animals in Your Will
For many of us, pets aren’t just animals – they’re family. Whether it’s a loyal Labrador, a cheeky cat, or even a rescue rabbit, our pets are a huge part of our lives. But have you ever thought about what would happen to them if you weren’t around? At Howay Legal, we believe your Will should reflect everything that matters to you – including your furry, feathered, or four-legged companions. Making arrangements for your pets in your Will is a simple step that can bring real peace of mind. Can I really include my pets in my Will? Yes, absolutely. While pets can’t inherit money or property directly (because legally, they’re considered possessions), you can use your Will to say who you’d like to care for them, and even leave money to help with their future needs. It’s about making sure they’ll be loved and looked after by someone you trust – someone who’ll treat them as you would. What should I think about? When planning for your pets, here are a few things to consider: Who would you like to look after them? Think about friends or family who know your pet, understand their needs, and are in a good position to care for them. Have you spoken to them? It’s always best to have an open conversation before naming someone. Make sure they’re happy to take on the responsibility and understand what’s involved. Would you like to leave money to help with their care? You can leave a financial gift to the person you’ve named, with a note that it’s to help with things like food, vet bills, or other costs. Would you like to include backup options? Life can change, so it’s a good idea to name a second choice in case your first can’t take your pet when the time comes. How we can help At Howay Legal, we’ll talk through your wishes and help you word everything clearly in your Will. You can include simple instructions about who should care for your pets, and we’ll make sure it’s legally valid and easy to understand. If your situation is a bit more complex – perhaps you want to set up a trust or make sure funds are handled a certain way – we can guide you through that too. Because they’re part of the family Your pet has been there for the cuddles, the chaos, and everything in between. Including them in your Will is a way of saying, “You’ll be looked after, no matter what.” It doesn’t need to be complicated – but it does need to be done properly.
Lasting Power of Attorney: What It Is and Why You Might Need One
When it comes to planning for the future, most people know about making a Will – but far fewer have heard of a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), or understand just how important it can be. At Howay Legal, we help people put LPAs in place every day. Whether you’re preparing for your own future or supporting a loved one, setting up an LPA offers peace of mind that someone you trust can step in if ever needed. A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so yourself. This could be due to illness, an accident, or simply needing a bit of help as you get older. There are two types of LPA, and many people choose to have both in place. The first is a Health and Welfare LPA, which covers decisions about your daily care, medical treatment, and even where you live. This type of LPA can only be used if you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. The second is a Property and Financial Affairs LPA, which allows someone to manage your finances – things like bank accounts, bills, pensions, or even selling your home if needed. This one can be used while you still have mental capacity, if you choose to give permission. It’s a common myth that LPAs are only for the elderly, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Accidents or illnesses can happen at any age. Having an LPA in place early means that if something unexpected does happen, the person you trust is legally allowed to step in and help – without delay or stress. If you don’t have an LPA and you lose the ability to make decisions, your loved ones may have to apply to the Court of Protection to gain the authority to act on your behalf. This can be a long, expensive, and emotionally draining process. It can also lead to someone being appointed who you wouldn’t have chosen yourself. Setting up an LPA while you’re well and able is a proactive, thoughtful step. At Howay Legal, we’re here to make the process easy and clear. We’ll explain everything in plain English, handle all the paperwork, and make sure it’s properly registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. Whether you’d prefer a home visit, a video call, or just a no-pressure chat to explore your options, we’re here to help. Taking the time to put an LPA in place now can make a big difference for you and your loved ones later on.
Choosing Guardians for Your Children in Your Will
One of the most important – and often most emotional – parts of writing a Will as a parent is deciding who would look after your children if something were to happen to you. It’s a situation no one wants to think about, but taking the time to name legal guardians in your Will is one of the most thoughtful and protective steps you can take for your family. At Howay Legal, we know this isn’t an easy decision. That’s why we’re here to guide you through it with care, clarity, and no pressure. Our goal is to help you feel confident that, whatever happens, your children will be looked after by the people you trust the most. What is a guardian? A guardian is someone you legally appoint to take over parental responsibility if you (and their other parent, if applicable) are no longer around. This means they’ll make day-to-day decisions about things like your child’s education, healthcare, and general wellbeing. It’s not just about the practical side of things – it’s about choosing someone who shares your values and would raise your children in a way you feel comfortable with. Why should I name a guardian in my Will? If you don’t name a guardian in your Will and both parents were to pass away, the courts would decide who should care for your children. That could result in someone being appointed who you wouldn’t have chosen yourself – or even family members having to go through a stressful and upsetting legal process during an already difficult time.By naming a guardian, you give your loved ones clarity and peace of mind. It can help prevent disputes, reduce confusion, and make sure your wishes are clearly recorded and legally recognised. What should I consider when choosing a guardian? There’s a lot to think about, and every family is different, but here are some common things people take into account: Trust and shared values – Do you trust this person to make decisions in your child’s best interest? Practicality – Are they in a position (geographically, financially, emotionally) to take on the role? Relationship – Do your children already have a strong bond with them? Age and health – Will they be able to provide long-term care as your children grow up? Willingness – Have you spoken to them about it, and are they happy to take on the responsibility? You can also name more than one person as a joint guardian, and we’ll help make sure everything is set out clearly in your Will. We’re here to help It’s never easy to think about these things – but putting the right legal arrangements in place now means you’re protecting your children and giving your family the support they need, whatever the future holds. At Howay, we’ll guide you through the process step by step, answer your questions, and make sure everything is handled with care. You don’t have to do it alone.
It’s Never Too Early – or Too Late – to Write Your Will
When people think about writing a Will, it’s often something they put on the “someday” list. It can feel like a job for the future, or something to be tackled later in life. But in reality, making a Will is one of the most thoughtful and important things you can do – no matter your age or stage in life. At Howay Legal, we work with all sorts of people. Young couples buying their first home, parents wanting to name guardians for their children, individuals with blended families, retirees putting their affairs in order – everyone has their own reasons for wanting that peace of mind. What unites them is a simple desire to make sure their wishes are clear and that their loved ones are looked after. A Will gives you control. It ensures that your money, property, and possessions go exactly where you want them to. Without one, the law decides who inherits what – and that might not be what you intended. It can also make things harder for the people you care about at an already emotional time. If you have children, a Will allows you to legally appoint guardians, so you know who will be there for them if you’re not around. It also lets you leave personal gifts or messages, support charities, or set out any special wishes that matter to you. We know that many people put off making a Will because they worry it will be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. That’s why we keep things straightforward, friendly, and tailored to you. Whether you’d prefer a home visit or a remote appointment, we work in a way that suits your lifestyle and comfort level. The truth is, writing a Will doesn’t have to be daunting – and it’s never too early or too late to get it done. Whether you’re planning ahead or catching up on something you’ve been meaning to do for years, we’re here to help you get it sorted. So, if you’re thinking about it – don’t wait. Give yourself and your loved ones the gift of clarity and peace of mind.
