This information is not intended as legal, accounting, or other professional advice. For assistance in charitable planning, consult an attorney for legal advice or obtain the services of another qualified professional.

© 2019 PETA | Tax ID: 52-1218336

Tim EnsticeVice President of Planned GivingPETA Foundation757-962-8213Visit our legacy website at PETA.org/Legacy Mailing AddressPETA Office of Planned Giving501 Front St.Norfolk, VA 23510

How to Create or Update Your

Estate Plans

PEOPLE FORTHE ETHICALTREATMENTOF ANIMALS

For many of us, the task of creating or updating our estate plan is one of those things we repeatedly move to the bottom of our “to do” list. It’s easy to ignore estate planning until it’s too late—but you owe it to yourself and your family to be prepared.

Where and how should you start your planning? Or when should you update an existing plan? As time goes on, your needs and your family’s needs may change.

Devising your plan is one way to create a secure future for yourself and your loved ones. You can rest easy knowing that your family will be well cared for and your property will pass on to your intended beneficiaries.

This guide offers you tips on organizing your plans and making sure they are up to date with your current life situation.

Planning Ahead Yields the Biggest Impact

Use the Right Words

If you would like to help bring an end to animal abuse by including a gift to PETA in your will, please consider using the following language:

I, [name], of [city, state ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to PETA, federal tax identification number 52-1218336, with the permanent address of P.O. Box 42516, Washington, DC 20015, the sum of $___ [or describe the real or personal property, or percentage of your estate] for its unrestricted use and purpose.

We Are Here to HelpWe are here to suggest ways you can help stop animal suffering. We can guide you on many different types of gifts and help you find one that best matches your needs and philanthropic goals.

Where Do I Start?• Make a list of everything you own—

such as real estate, bank and investment accounts, personal collections, jewelry, cars, and boats. Be sure to include everything of value, large or small.

• Decide who will receive your assets—your family, other loved ones, and the organizations and causes you care about.

• Choose a qualified guardian for your minor children or others you may be responsible for, and name that person in your will.

• Choose someone to care for your animal companions.

• Depending on whether you have a will or living trust, choose your executor or successor trustee, who will be responsible for seeing that the terms of your will or living trust are carried out in full.

• Execute powers of attorney that name the person(s) who will make health-care and financial decisions for you if you are unable to.

• Update the beneficiary designations on your retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial accounts.

• Consult with an attorney who specializes in estate planning and can create (or advise you in creating) a will or living trust and other necessary estate documents.

When Should I Revisit My Plan?

Reasons you may want to review and possibly revise your estate plan include the following:

You have not revisited your estate plan in three to five years.

New family members have been born or adopted.

Your marital status has changed.

State or federal tax laws have changed.

The value of your assets has changed substantially.

You have moved to a new state.

Your health status has changed.

You have changed jobs or retired.

You would like to include PETA and/or other charities in your plans.

Your Support Is CriticalIn considering your plans for the future, you may be thinking not only about ways to help your family but also about ways you might benefit PETA. Many people choose to include a gift in their will to organizations and causes that are meaningful to them. You can include PETA in your will or trust and ensure that your support will continue in perpetuity.

If you checked any of the above scenarios, it is a

good time to create or update your plan.

Visit PETA.org/Legacy to learn more.

“Our progress is because of our wonderful members and supporters who promptly respond to our calls to action. In 2018, our online advocacy campaigns resulted in more than 35 million letters urging companies and individuals to make big changes to help animals and our highly effective videos were viewed more than 560 billion times.”

—Ingrid Newkirk, President, PETA