An elderly Shanghai woman [/b]known only as Ms. Liu has made a significant decision regarding her $2.8 million fortune, opting to exclude her three children from her will and instead designate her beloved pets as the beneficiaries of her estate.
Citing the constant companionship and support she received from her pets during her old age, Ms. Liu decided to change her original intention of leaving her wealth to her children due to their perceived neglect and lack of contact, as reported by The South China Morning Post.[/
In her updated will, Ms. Liu explicitly states that her entire estate should be utilized for the well-being of her pets and any potential future offspring they may have. The responsibility for managing this unique inheritance and caring for the animals has been entrusted to a veterinary clinic.[/
However, Chinese law presents a challenge as it prohibits direct bequests of money to pets. In response, Ms. Liu, with guidance from Chen Kai, an official from the Will Registration Centre headquarters in Beijing, explores alternatives to ensure her wishes are fulfilled.[/
Kai explains, “However, there are alternatives to solve this issue. Liu’s current will is one way, and we would have advised her to appoint a person she trusts to supervise the vet clinic to ensure the pets are properly cared for.”[/
Despite this unique arrangement, an official involved in the process raises concerns about the potential risks of allocating the entire inheritance to the veterinary clinic. They caution Ms. Liu, stating, “We told Auntie Liu that if her children change their attitude towards her, she could always alter her will again.”
