A wealthy Shanghai woman has decided to leave her $2.8 million estate to her pets instead of her children, alleging that her pets have stayed loyal to her while her children have neglected her as she ages. While it’s not legally possible for her to actually leave the money to her pets, she’s setting up her Will with a local pet clinic as administrator of the money. It will be used to care for her pets until they pass away, and then to care for any of their offspring.

Some have praised her decision, citing similar issues with their families, and children that aren’t helping to care for their parents in old age. However, there are others who believe this choice goes too far, and that the children should receive at least some of the estate. As long as she lives, her Will can be revised. That allows her to change it and leave money to her children if they change their behavior and start caring for her.

This also isn’t the first time someone has left a sizable estate to their pets instead of people. One of the most famous cases was the $65 million that was left to Gunther III, a German shepherd who belonged to a countess. Most states and countries have legal protections that stop people from actually leaving money to a pet, but there are ways to set up a Pet Trust and other types of protections ensuring the money will be used for that pet’s care.

While it’s not common, it’s certainly possible to leave money behind in this way, instead of leaving it to children or other relatives. Since the Shanghai woman has support from others who understand her situation, it seems that there may be more people considering this option than would be expected. It also remains to be seen whether the woman’s children will have a change of heart and come to her aid, or whether her estate will ultimately be left to the pet clinic to care for her pets, instead.

If you have not finalized your estate plan yet, or if you have but it’s time to review and update your estate planning documents, we can help. Contact us today!