Animal Day, is the day to spoil your pet even more. But what happens to your faithful companion after your death?  Therefore, an animal cannot be named as an heir. How do you ensure that your buddy lacks for nothing after your death? You can contact us for extensive advice and guidance regarding your estate.

Animals are not things by law, but provisions relating to things, which are established by law, do apply to animals. In the settlement of the estate, animals in principle belong to the heirs. Do you have no direct heirs or do you not have sufficient confidence in your heirs? Then you can record this yourself in a will.

Include pets in the will

It is possible that in the will you link certain parts of the inheritance to an assignment via a so-called “testamentary burden”. You can hereby oblige the heirs to carry out this burden to be able to claim the inheritance. If an heir does not carry out the order, other heirs can go to court and have them deprived of the right to inheritance. A common reason for choosing such a 'testamental burden' is to care for a pet. The last will of the testator to have the animal properly cared for can in this way be effectively recorded in the will. You can also leave an animal in a will to a person or institution that must take good care of it.

Inheritance tax

If the animals represent a financial value, for example, an expensive horse, inheritance tax must be paid on the value of the animals. Even if the financial contribution represents a large amount, your heirs may be obliged to pay inheritance tax.

Legacy without animals

If you don't have any pets of your own but you care about animals, you can choose to include a charity as an heir in your will. Would you like to donate a sum of money to a good cause while you are alive? Here too, the civil-law notary can advise you on what is the most (fiscally) advantageous for your situation.

living will

You may not be able to care for your pet while alive. You will be admitted to a nursing or care home. The agreements regarding the care of your pet are included in your living will.