Well the best way to guarantee that your children, as well as pets, end up with somebody you trust one is to discuss this issue with people that you contemplate being the custodial to both children and pets. Second would be through estate planning. Obviously, a will is going to have or can have provisions for whom you would like to take custody of your children as well as who should handle their money in case it’s somebody different. New Jersey also recognizes a pet trust, which would allow you to not only designate who would receive the animals or your pets but also allow you to provide some funding for their future care.