A pet trust is a legal arrangement that ensures your companion animals are cared for according to your wishes after you are no longer able to provide that care. This page explains how a pet trust works, what it can cover, and why Pleasant Hill pet owners should consider including a pet trust as part of a broader estate plan. The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman in San Jose assists clients across Contra Costa County with clear, practical documents such as revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, and pet trusts to protect pets and preserve owner intentions for the future.
Creating a pet trust allows you to name a caregiver, set aside funds for ongoing pet care, and provide detailed instructions about diet, medical needs, and daily routines. A properly drafted pet trust can prevent the uncertainty that sometimes follows when a pet owner passes away or becomes incapacitated. In Pleasant Hill and throughout California, combining a pet trust with other documents like advance health care directives and financial powers of attorney helps ensure both your health care preferences and your pets’ future are addressed in a single, coordinated estate plan.
A pet trust provides a reliable legal structure to guarantee ongoing care, funding, and instructions for your animals when you cannot provide it yourself. It reduces the risk that pets will be placed in shelters or rehomed without consideration of the owner’s wishes. With clear directions and designated caregivers, a pet trust can ensure continuity of care, timely medical attention, and consistent living arrangements. It also helps avoid family disputes by laying out who is responsible and how funds should be used, giving pet owners peace of mind that their animals will be treated as intended after the owner’s death or incapacity.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman serves clients across the Bay Area with practical, clear estate planning services tailored to each family’s needs. Our approach focuses on listening to your priorities and translating them into durable legal documents such as revocable living trusts, wills, and pet trusts. We assist clients in Pleasant Hill and surrounding communities to organize assets, nominate guardians and trustees, and prepare transfer documents like certification of trust and pour-over wills. Call 408-528-2827 to discuss how a pet trust can fit into your plan and to arrange a consultation.
A pet trust is a legal tool that sets aside resources and appoints a caretaker to provide for your animals according to written instructions. In California, state law recognizes pet trusts and allows owners to name a trustee to manage funds and distribute them for pet care. A trust can be funded with cash, a portion of an estate, or property intended to support the pet. Clear directions about preferred caregivers, medical care, living arrangements, and duration of care help ensure the pet’s needs are met without ambiguity or delay after the owner’s incapacity or death.
When creating a pet trust, you will name a trustee to manage the money and a caregiver to provide day-to-day care; sometimes those roles are filled by the same person. The trustee’s role is financial and administrative, while the caregiver provides the hands-on care. It is helpful to provide contingency plans, such as backup caregivers and instructions for rehoming if long-term care is not feasible. Properly drafted documents coordinate the pet trust with related estate planning instruments like a pour-over will or a general assignment of assets to trust to ensure funding and implementation after your passing.
A pet trust is a legal instrument that sets aside money or property to be used exclusively for the care of one or more companion animals under the direction of a trustee. The trust document names who will care for the animals, how funds are to be used, and the duration of care. California law supports these arrangements and provides mechanisms for oversight to ensure funds are used properly. Pet trusts can state specific medical instructions, dietary needs, activity levels, and preferred living conditions, which helps caregivers and trustees uphold the owner’s wishes in a practical, enforceable way.
Key elements of a pet trust include naming the beneficiary animals, appointing a trustee and caregiver, specifying the trust funding source, and detailing instructions for care and contingencies. The process typically begins with a consultation to identify goals and assets, followed by drafting the trust document and funding the trust through transfers, beneficiary designations, or a pour-over will. Trustees then manage funds and disbursements for expenses such as food, grooming, veterinary care, and boarding. Periodic reviews help ensure the trust reflects changing circumstances, such as new pets or changes to caregiver availability.
Understanding the terminology used in pet trusts helps you make informed choices when creating one. Terms like trustee, beneficiary, caregiver, funding, and pour-over will appear often in documents and conversations. A glossary clarifies responsibilities, payment mechanisms, termination conditions, and oversight procedures. Knowing these terms reduces confusion and ensures your instructions are clear and enforceable. Below you will find common definitions and explanations designed to make the legal process easier to navigate and to help you draft instructions that are meaningful and practical for those who will act on your behalf.
The trustee is the individual or entity responsible for managing the funds and property held in the pet trust according to the trust terms. The trustee pays for expenses related to the animal’s care, keeps records of disbursements, and may be required to report to a court or designated monitor in some cases. Trustees have fiduciary duties to use trust assets only for the intended purpose of pet care and to follow the directions set out by the trust creator. Choosing a trustee who is reliable and willing to handle administrative tasks is an important step in planning.
The caregiver is the person who provides daily, hands-on care for the pet and follows the owner’s instructions regarding routines, medical care, and living arrangements. Caregivers may or may not manage trust funds; often a separate trustee handles finances while the caregiver focuses on meeting the pet’s daily needs. Naming alternate caregivers and providing contact information helps ensure continuity of care if the primary caregiver is unable or unwilling to continue. A clear description of responsibilities in the trust text reduces confusion and helps caregivers follow the owner’s wishes faithfully.
In a pet trust, the beneficiary is the animal or animals intended to benefit from the trust’s provisions. Unlike traditional trusts where a person receives funds, the beneficiary in a pet trust is the pet itself, while the trustee manages the assets for the animal’s care. The trust identifies the pet by name, description, or other identifying details to ensure the trust’s benefits are applied as intended. Including contingency provisions for new or additional pets helps the trust remain effective if the household composition changes over time.
Funding refers to the assets set aside to support the pet trust’s purposes, which can include cash, securities, or a portion of an estate transferred through a living trust or pour-over will. Proper funding ensures the trustee has resources to pay for food, medical care, boarding, and other necessary expenses for the pet. The amount placed in trust should reflect the pet’s expected lifetime needs and any special medical or care requirements. Coordinating trust funding with other estate planning instruments reduces the risk of insufficient resources for the pet’s care.
There are several ways to provide for a pet after an owner’s passing, including informal family arrangements, bequests in a will, and formal pet trusts. Informal arrangements can be uncertain and may not ensure funds are used for the pet. A will can leave money or name a caregiver, but it often requires probate and lacks ongoing enforcement. A pet trust provides a more structured, enforceable plan with oversight and designated funds. Evaluating these options involves weighing convenience, enforceability, timing, and the likelihood that your wishes will be followed consistently and reliably.
A limited approach such as a brief written note to a trusted friend or a simple provision in a will may be appropriate when a pet’s needs are minimal or when the owner expects a short-term caretaker arrangement. If a pet is elderly with limited anticipated medical expenses or if family members have already agreed to assume responsibility, a formal trust might not be necessary. However, even in these cases, documenting intentions and naming backups reduces confusion. A clear plan helps ensure the caregiver understands expectations and that funds, if any, are available when needed.
When there is a reliable family member or friend willing and able to care for the pet and handle any expenses, a less formal arrangement can be effective. Written instructions and a transfer of ownership may be sufficient if both parties agree and communicate clearly. It is still recommended to document financial arrangements and name alternate caregivers in case circumstances change. For added assurance, owners can use a written agreement specifying responsibilities, expected costs, and medical care preferences, which reduces misunderstandings and preserves the pet’s routine and well-being.
A comprehensive legal plan is often advisable when a pet requires long-term care, ongoing medical treatment, or when the owner wants to ensure funds are managed and disbursed properly. A trust provides a mechanism for oversight and accountability so that financial resources are used solely for the pet’s benefit. This approach is helpful when costs are expected to be substantial, when specialized medical care is anticipated, or when multiple caregivers are involved. Proper planning guarantees continuity of care and reduces the administrative burden on family members during difficult times.
When family dynamics, blended households, or complex assets are involved, a comprehensive estate plan that includes a pet trust can prevent disputes and ensure clear implementation of the owner’s wishes. Formal documents such as a revocable living trust or a pour-over will coordinate the distribution of assets and funding for the pet trust, while naming trustees and caregivers with backup provisions reduces uncertainty. Legal documents can also clarify responsibilities among relatives and prevent unintended diversion of funds meant for the animal’s care.
Including a pet trust as part of a comprehensive estate plan provides multiple benefits: guaranteed funding, appointed caretakers, and enforceable instructions to protect the wellbeing of your animals. This approach reduces the chance of shelter placement and offers a clear path for long-term care, including veterinary needs and boarding. Coordinating the trust with documents like advance health care directives and powers of attorney also helps ensure that decision-makers have access to necessary information and resources when an owner is incapacitated, resulting in smoother transitions and less stress for both pets and family members.
A comprehensive plan enhances predictability and provides peace of mind, ensuring that pets are cared for as intended without placing undue burden on relatives or friends. It allows owners to express preferences about living arrangements, medical treatment, and remaining in a familiar environment whenever possible. By combining a pet trust with instruments such as a revocable living trust and pour-over will, owners create a cohesive framework that addresses funding, administration, and practical care, minimizing confusion and disputes after the owner can no longer provide care.
One core benefit of a comprehensive approach is financial security for ongoing pet care. A properly funded pet trust gives a trustee the authority to disburse funds for food, veterinary care, grooming, and boarding according to the owner’s instructions. This structure prevents funds from being misused and provides a predictable resource for caregivers, which is especially important for pets with chronic conditions or special needs. Financial planning within an estate plan also helps ensure resources are available when needed without forcing caregivers to absorb costs personally.
A formal pet trust provides legal clarity and enforceability in ways that informal arrangements do not. By setting clear terms, naming trustees, and specifying oversight measures, a trust reduces the risk of misinterpretation and dispute. Courts can enforce the trust’s provisions if necessary, and trustees are held to duties that require proper use of funds. This enforceability protects the owner’s intentions and provides accountability for caregivers and trustees, helping preserve the intended standard of care for the pet under changing circumstances or in the event of disagreement among family members.
Selecting reliable caregivers and trustees is fundamental to ensuring your pet receives consistent, appropriate care after you cannot provide it. Discuss arrangements in advance so caregivers understand responsibilities and accept them willingly. Identify backup caregivers and communicate financial expectations clearly to prevent misunderstandings. Provide written instructions for daily routines, medical preferences, and emergency contacts, and consider meeting potential caregivers before finalizing plans. Proper communication and documentation make it easier for trustees to manage funds and for caregivers to follow your wishes, providing stability for your pet in transitional periods.
Write detailed, practical instructions in the trust about diet, medication schedules, preferred veterinarians, and acceptable living situations to help caregivers provide consistent routines. Update the trust if your pet’s needs change, when you acquire new animals, or if caregivers become unavailable. Include copies of vaccination and medical records along with the trust documents to simplify transitions. Periodic reviews of the plan ensure it remains current and that trustees and caregivers have the information required to act effectively when needed.
Many pet owners choose a pet trust to ensure their animals receive intended care, receive funding for needs, and avoid placement in a shelter or unfamiliar environment. A pet trust provides direction and resources so caregivers can follow clear, written instructions that reflect the owner’s preferences. It also provides legal structures that enforce the owner’s wishes and protect the pet’s long-term wellbeing. For residents of Pleasant Hill and nearby communities, a pet trust offers reassurance that companions will remain cared for in a manner consistent with family values and daily routines.
Another reason to create a pet trust is peace of mind. Knowing you have appointed caregivers, named trustees, and set aside funds eliminates the stress and uncertainty loved ones face when making ad hoc arrangements. When paired with documents like an advance health care directive and financial power of attorney, a pet trust ensures continuity of care across health and estate transitions. This integrated approach helps families plan proactively and reduces the administrative and emotional burdens on those left to manage a pet’s future.
Pet trusts are useful in several common circumstances: when owners have multiple animals, when animals require ongoing medical care, when caregivers live out of area, or when family dynamics could complicate informal arrangements. They also help owners who travel frequently or who have no immediate family able to assume long-term responsibility. Pet trusts provide a formal method to ensure funds and instructions are available, appoint decision-makers, and outline backup plans to avoid gaps in care and to reduce the likelihood of disputes about the pet’s future.
When a pet has chronic medical conditions or requires long-term medication or treatment, a pet trust is an effective way to ensure ongoing care and funding. The trust can specify authorized veterinary providers, outline treatment preferences, and allocate funds for anticipated medical expenses. Trustees can ensure that available resources are spent as directed, providing continuity for pets who need consistent care over many years. This arrangement minimizes uncertainty and ensures decisions about treatment align with the owner’s stated wishes and financial capacity.
If family members are geographically distant or there is only one potential caregiver, a pet trust helps formalize responsibilities and funding so the caregiver can accept care with confidence. Naming backup caregivers and designating funds for travel, boarding, or veterinary visits enables smoother transitions and avoids last-minute confusion. Legal documentation clarifies expectations and reduces the likelihood of disputes within families, providing a reliable plan for pets whose caretakers may not live nearby or who require assistance in managing long-term expenses.
In blended families or complex estate situations, a pet trust helps delineate who is responsible for the animal and how funds will be used, preventing misunderstandings among heirs. The trust can be coordinated with a revocable living trust or a pour-over will to ensure funding flows as intended and to specify roles for trustees and caregivers. Clear instructions and oversight reduce the chance that funds intended for a pet are redirected, helping to preserve an owner’s wishes even when family relationships are complicated or when assets are distributed across multiple beneficiaries.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides local support to Pleasant Hill residents who want to create reliable plans for their pets and estates. We assist with drafting pet trusts, coordinating funding through revocable living trusts or pour-over wills, and preparing related documents like wills, powers of attorney, HIPAA authorizations, and guardianship nominations. Our goal is to translate your pet care priorities into practical, enforceable documents and to help you select trustees and caregivers who will follow your instructions. Contact our office at 408-528-2827 to begin the planning process.
Our firm focuses on delivering clear, practical estate planning documents that reflect clients’ personal priorities, including pet care. We guide Pleasant Hill residents through the process of choosing funding methods, naming trustees and caregivers, and drafting detailed instructions for animal care. We help coordinate the pet trust with other estate planning tools to ensure seamless implementation after incapacity or death. Our goal is to minimize uncertainty and administrative burdens on family members while preserving the owner’s intentions for companion animals.
When creating a pet trust, careful drafting and coordination with a complete estate plan are essential. We assist clients in estimating funding needs, selecting appropriate trustees, and including contingency plans to adapt to changing circumstances. We also prepare supporting documents such as pour-over wills and general assignments to ensure the trust receives the intended assets. Clear communication and practical documentation reduce the likelihood of disputes and ensure that caregivers have the information and resources needed to follow your directions for the pet’s care.
Our firm makes the process approachable by explaining legal options in everyday language and preparing documents tailored to each client’s circumstances. For Pleasant Hill residents, this means crafting pet trust provisions that reflect local veterinary options, boarding resources, and family situations. We also prepare related estate documents like advance health care directives and financial powers of attorney so that both your health care preferences and your pet’s future are planned together. Call 408-528-2827 to schedule a consultation and begin protecting your pet’s future.
Our process begins with an initial consultation to understand your goals for your pets and broader estate planning priorities. We review assets, family dynamics, and your pets’ needs to recommend the appropriate documents and funding strategies. After agreeing on objectives, we draft a pet trust and related instruments such as a revocable living trust, pour-over will, health care directive, and financial power of attorney. We then review the drafts with you, make any necessary revisions, and help you fund the trust so the plan becomes effective when needed.
In the first step we discuss your priorities, identify who will care for your pets, and assess financial resources. This includes gathering information about your pets’ current and anticipated needs, any existing estate documents, and family circumstances that might affect caregiving plans. We recommend choosing primary and backup caregivers, selecting a trustee, and estimating funding levels required for the trust. This foundational work ensures subsequent documents reflect realistic expectations and provide the structure needed to implement your wishes effectively.
We ask detailed questions about your pet’s routines, medical history, preferred veterinarians, and daily care requirements to ensure the trust includes practical instructions. Providing these specifics helps caregivers follow established routines, reduces stress for the animal, and enables trustees to allocate funds appropriately. We also explore long-term scenarios and emergency plans so the trust is prepared for a range of situations. Clear, detailed instructions help translate your preferences into usable guidance for caregivers and trustees.
During planning we help you identify appropriate caregivers and trustees, discuss their responsibilities, and consider backup options. We review the differences between financial and hands-on roles and advise on how to structure authority for the trustee and practical duties for the caregiver. Naming alternates and providing contact information reduces the risk of gaps in care. We also discuss whether a professional trustee, family member, or friend is the best fit for the administrative duties associated with managing trust funds and paying for pet expenses.
In step two we draft the trust document, coordinate complementary estate documents, and discuss funding strategies to ensure the trust can fulfill its purpose. Drafting includes clear caregiving instructions, trustee powers, funding sources, and contingency plans. We explain mechanisms for funding through a living trust, pour-over will, or direct transfers so your trustee has access to the resources needed to care for the pet. This stage also includes reviewing tax and practical considerations to make sure funding is effective and sustainable.
Drafting involves translating your care preferences into legal language that trustees and caregivers can follow. Provisions address how funds are to be used, reporting requirements, duration of the trust, and instructions for termination or rehoming if needed. Clear definitions and contingency clauses reduce ambiguity and support enforcement. We aim to produce a document that is both legally effective and user-friendly for those who will implement it, reducing the chance of disputes and ensuring that the pet’s needs remain central to the trustee’s decisions.
To ensure the pet trust receives the necessary assets, we coordinate it with your broader estate plan, including revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, and beneficiary designations. This coordination helps avoid probate delays and ensures seamless funding. We also address related documents such as health care directives and powers of attorney so that decision-makers have clear authority to fulfill your overall plan. Proper coordination minimizes the risk that assets intended for pet care will be overlooked or delayed during estate administration.
After the documents are finalized, we oversee proper execution and advise on funding steps such as transfers or beneficiary updates. We recommend storing originals, providing copies to trustees and caregivers, and leaving written instructions with emergency contacts and veterinarians. Periodic reviews are advised to update the trust for new pets, changes in caregiver availability, or adjustments in funding needs. Ongoing maintenance ensures the plan stays effective over time and continues to reflect your wishes as circumstances change.
Execution requires signing the trust and related documents according to California requirements and ensuring the trust is funded properly. Funding may involve transferring assets into a revocable living trust, changing account beneficiary designations, or making specific bequests through a pour-over will. We assist with these tasks to help prevent common funding mistakes that can leave a trust under-resourced. Proper completion of these steps makes the trust operational and provides trustees with the tools needed to carry out the plan when necessary.
We recommend periodic reviews to keep the trust aligned with your evolving circumstances, such as new pets, changes in caregiver availability, or updated financial situations. Life events like marriage, divorce, relocation, or the acquisition of assets may require adjustments to funding or named roles. Regular check-ins help confirm that trustees and caregivers remain willing and able to serve, and that the trust documents continue to reflect your current wishes and priorities for pet care and estate distribution.
A pet trust is a legal arrangement that sets aside funds and instructions for the care of one or more companion animals when the owner is unable to provide care. In California, pet trusts are recognized under state law and allow owners to name a trustee to manage funds and a caregiver to provide daily care. The trust document specifies how funds are to be used, who will care for the animal, and any medical or lifestyle preferences. Proper drafting helps ensure the pet’s needs are met and that funds are used for intended purposes. Owners typically name both a caregiver and a trustee, outline funding sources, and include contingency plans for alternate caregivers. A trust can be funded through a living trust, beneficiary designations, or specific bequests in a will. The trustee administers payments for food, veterinary care, and other expenses according to the trust document. Clear instructions and adequate funding help reduce family disputes and make the trust effective when it is needed most.
Choosing a caregiver involves selecting someone who understands and is willing to provide day-to-day care, follow medical or dietary instructions, and maintain the pet’s routine. Consider location, availability, and the person’s lifestyle to ensure compatibility with the animal’s needs. Discuss responsibilities in advance so the caregiver accepts the role knowingly and is prepared for potential expenses or logistical needs. Selecting a trustee involves choosing a person or entity who will manage funds responsibly, keep records, and disburse money for the pet’s care. The trustee should be organized and able to fulfill administrative duties. It is common to separate the caregiver and trustee roles to allow a friend or family member to focus on hands-on care while a trustee handles finances. Naming backups for both roles strengthens the plan and helps ensure uninterrupted care.
Estimating the appropriate funding level for a pet trust requires a realistic assessment of the animal’s expected lifetime needs, including food, routine veterinary care, grooming, and potential emergency or chronic medical treatments. Owners should consider the pet’s age, breed, anticipated lifespan, and any existing health conditions. Accounting for inflation and unexpected medical events helps avoid underfunding. A common approach is to prepare a budget of typical annual costs and multiply that by a reasonable number of years to approximate a funding target. It is also important to provide flexibility in the trust for trustees to adjust spending based on actual costs and to include reporting requirements so caregivers and trustees remain accountable. Coordination with other estate planning instruments like a revocable living trust or pour-over will helps ensure funds are available when needed, reducing the risk of shortfalls that could affect the pet’s care.
Yes, a pet trust can be funded through a revocable living trust or a pour-over will that directs assets to the pet trust upon death. Funding through a revocable living trust can avoid probate, making resources more readily available to trustees and caregivers. It is important to coordinate beneficiary designations and account titling so the intended assets are effectively transferred into the trust when needed. Consulting with your estate planner ensures funding mechanisms are properly aligned with your overall plan. Using complementary documents such as a general assignment of assets to trust or tenancy designations can further simplify funding. Making sure assets are titled correctly and that beneficiary designations match your planning intentions reduces the risk of administrative delays. Proper coordination ensures that trustees have access to the resources required to follow the trust’s instructions and provide consistent care for the pet.
If a named caregiver is unable to care for the pet, a well-drafted trust includes backup caregivers and contingency instructions to guide the transition. The trust can specify alternate individuals, timelines for transferring care, and instructions for locating appropriate new arrangements. Including multiple backups reduces the risk that a pet will be left without care if circumstances change unexpectedly. Providing detailed instructions also helps new caregivers maintain routines and medical care. Trustees play a role in managing funds and locating alternative care options if necessary. Trustees can use trust resources for temporary boarding, veterinary evaluations, or travel to facilitate a new placement consistent with the owner’s preferences. Clear documentation and communications with designated backups help ensure a smooth transition that preserves the pet’s welfare during times of change.
Pet trusts are enforceable under California law and provide a recognized legal mechanism to ensure animals receive funds and care according to the owner’s instructions. Courts can oversee trustees and require accounting in certain situations, offering a measure of enforceability that informal arrangements lack. The trust structure gives legal standing to the trustee to manage funds and to the caregiver to receive disbursements for the animal’s care under the trust terms. Because courts can enforce trust provisions, clear drafting and proper funding are important to ensure the trust operates as intended. Including reporting requirements and specifying trustee powers reduces ambiguity and supports enforcement. While courts may not adjudicate every minor dispute, a well-drafted trust enhances the likelihood that an owner’s wishes will be followed and that funds will be used appropriately for the pet’s benefit.
Include specific medical instructions, lists of current medications, veterinarian contact information, and express consent for routine or emergency treatments if you want the caregiver to follow particular protocols. The trust can name preferred clinics, set limits on the amount to be spent on care, and indicate whether to allow certain procedures. Detailing acceptable treatments and providing copies of medical records helps caregivers and trustees make informed decisions under the owner’s guidance. For pets with chronic conditions, specify monitoring schedules, dietary needs, and any physical accommodations required to maintain the animal’s comfort. Providing the trustee with authority to access funds for ongoing treatment and clear reporting requirements keeps everyone accountable. Regularly updating these instructions ensures they remain current with the pet’s evolving health situation.
Yes, you can include reasonable conditions or restrictions in a pet trust to reflect your preferences for the animal’s care, such as limitations on euthanasia, requirements for a certain type of housing, or prohibitions against breeding. Restrictions should be clear, practical, and enforceable, and they should not create undue hardship for caregivers. Well-drafted conditions help ensure the pet’s welfare aligns with the owner’s values and reduce ambiguity for caregivers and trustees when making decisions. It is important to balance specific instructions with practical flexibility so caregivers and trustees can respond to unforeseen situations, such as emergencies. Including mechanisms for trustees to obtain veterinary approval for deviations or setting emergency spending limits helps keep the pet’s best interests central while preserving the owner’s intent.
Alongside a pet trust, it is advisable to prepare complementary documents such as a revocable living trust, pour-over will, general assignment of assets to trust, financial power of attorney, and an advance health care directive. These documents help coordinate asset transfers, provide for decision-makers during incapacity, and ensure the trust receives necessary funding. A HIPAA authorization can also assist caregivers and trustees in obtaining medical information if the owner becomes incapacitated. Preparing these documents together reduces the chance of gaps in funding or authority and streamlines the administration of your estate. Guardianship nominations and certification of trust documents can be useful additions depending on your circumstances. Coordinating these instruments provides a cohesive plan that protects both your health care wishes and your pet’s future.
Review your pet trust periodically and after major life events such as marriage, divorce, relocation, acquisition of new pets, or significant changes in finances. Regular reviews ensure that named caregivers and trustees remain willing and able to serve and that funding levels remain adequate for the pet’s needs. Updates may be necessary if your wishes change or to reflect new circumstances affecting potential caregivers or trustees. A recommended practice is to review estate planning documents every few years or whenever a significant life change occurs. Keeping contact information current for caregivers and trustees and providing updated medical records for pets helps avoid delays and ensures a smooth transition if the trust needs to be implemented.
Criminal Defense
Homicide Defense
Manslaughter
Assault and Battery
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Battery Causing Great Bodily Injury
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Domestic Violence Restraining Order
Arson Defense
Weapons Charges
Illegal Firearm Possessions
Civil Harassment
Civil Harassment Restraining Orders
School Violence Restraining Orders
Violent Crimes Defense
Estate Planning Practice Areas