Legacies and funeral donations

It’s not easy to think about your own death. What will remain of me when I am no longer here? Answering this question requires more than just time and peace of mind. It also requires some knowledge about how a last will and testament should be correctly drafted so that it complies with the legal requirements. It is worth dealing with this at an early stage. If you make a legally valid last will and testament, you can pass on your values to the next generation and protect animals after your death.

If you wish to deviate from the statutory regulations, you must actively express your last wishes. This is subject to statutory formal requirements, which must be complied with, as otherwise your last will and testament may become contestable or even invalid.

There are various ways to legally record your last will and testament:

• Will (testamentary disposition): The will must be completely handwritten or drawn up by a notary.
• Inheritance contract: You conclude an inheritance contract with the persons entitled to inherit. This must be drawn up by a notary.

If you would like to leave part or all of your estate to NetAP, you can do the following:

• Legacy or bequest: You bequeath NetAP a specific sum, a share of your assets, a specific item (e.g. jewelry, securities, real estate) or claims to a life insurance policy.
• Inheritance: You appoint NetAP as your heir with all the rights and obligations of an heir (e.g. like your children or spouse).

Limits to beneficiaries: You must take into account any compulsory portions of the legal heirs (exception: inheritance contract). Since 2023, the compulsory portions have been reduced so that you can freely dispose of a larger share of your assets.

Animals and inheritance: Fortunately, animals are no longer considered property. Nevertheless, you cannot appoint them directly as heirs or leave them a legacy. You can bequeath your animals indirectly by linking the inheritance of a person with a corresponding condition (e.g. taking over the care of the animals, specifying the amount for this). In any case, it is important that you expressly state your wishes and regulate the whereabouts of your animals in your will.

Tax exemption: Inheritances to NetAP are tax-exempt, i.e. the entire amount is used for the benefit of the animals.

Safekeeping: Make sure that your will can be found by the right people at the time of your death. Alternatively, you can deposit it with the residents’ registration office or with a trusted person.

Lasting power of attorney: Remember that a will only regulates the time after your death. It does not cover the situation if you become incapacitated beforehand. In this case, an advance care directive can also be set up.

Alleviate current animal suffering and prevent future misery: your donation makes it possible!