Planning for a pet’s long-term care offers peace of mind when you cannot be there to provide for them. A pet trust is a legal arrangement that directs funds and care instructions for your companion animal after your death or incapacity. At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman, our Hamilton City page explains how a pet trust works, what options are available, and how to name caregivers and trustees. We help clients create clear, practical provisions to ensure pets receive consistent care, appropriate veterinary attention, and that funds are managed to support those needs without placing undue burden on family or caregivers.
Whether you own a dog, cat, bird, or other companion animal, a pet trust can protect their wellbeing and guide caregivers on handling medical decisions, daily routines, and end-of-life arrangements. This page outlines key considerations for creating an effective pet trust including funding options, trustee duties, and backup caregiver nominations. We discuss how a trust can be tailored to your circumstances, the role of a pour-over will or other estate planning documents, and practical steps you can take now to document your pet’s care preferences and financial arrangements to minimize confusion and conflict later.
A properly drafted pet trust ensures your companion animal receives designated care, protects allocated funds for their benefit, and reduces uncertainty for the caregiver who will assume responsibility. It sets clear directions for feeding, medical treatment, grooming, and housing, and can include instructions for special needs or behavioral considerations. A trust can avoid disputes among family members about who should care for the animal and how resources should be used. This planning tool helps maintain continuity of care, preserves your wishes for the pet’s welfare, and creates a binding mechanism to enforce those wishes through a named trustee and fallback provisions.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman serves California residents with focused estate planning services, including pet trusts and related documents. Our practice supports clients in San Jose and throughout the state by preparing trusts, wills, healthcare directives, and powers of attorney that work together to protect people and pets. We emphasize clear communication and practical solutions tailored to individual circumstances, from funding a trust to naming appropriate caregivers. When clients seek to provide for companion animals, we guide them through realistic funding strategies and everyday care instructions so their pets are protected both legally and practically.
A pet trust is a legal instrument that sets aside funds and names a caretaker to use those resources for the benefit of a specified animal. It can be activated upon the owner’s death or incapacity and can include detailed care instructions, veterinary consent, and an appointed trustee to manage the money for the pet’s needs. The trust may name a primary caregiver and backup caregivers, and it may direct remaining funds to another beneficiary after the pet’s passing. Funding options include outright distributions, funding through a pour-over will, or designating property or accounts specifically for the trust’s purposes.
When creating a pet trust, it is important to identify practical provisions such as frequency of veterinary visits, acceptable medical treatments, boarding arrangements, and routines that keep the animal comfortable. The trustee has fiduciary responsibilities to use the funds in the pet’s best interest, keep records, and follow the trust’s terms. Owners often pair pet trusts with other estate documents such as a pour-over will, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to ensure that care decisions and asset transfers are coordinated and effective when they are unable to manage affairs themselves.
A pet trust is a type of trust that names an individual or entity to care for a designated animal and provides funds for that care. It includes instructions for daily care, medical authorizations, and contingency plans in case a caregiver cannot continue in the role. The trustee administers funds according to the trust terms, paying for food, veterinary care, grooming, and boarding as needed. The trust can also name a beneficiary to receive leftover funds after the animal’s passing, ensuring that money is used as intended and that caregivers are supported in meeting the animal’s needs without financial strain.
A well-drafted pet trust should identify the animal by name and description, appoint a caregiver and successor caregivers, and name a trustee with authority to manage trust funds. It should specify the types of expenses covered, veterinary preferences, dietary and exercise needs, and instructions for emergency medical decisions. Funding sources and mechanisms — such as transfers at death, dedicated accounts, or designations in other documents — should be clearly stated. Also include instructions for recordkeeping, dispute resolution, and disposition of remaining funds, so the caretaker and trustee understand their roles and responsibilities clearly.
Understanding common terms used in pet trust documents helps owners make informed choices. Definitions clarify the roles of trustee and caregiver, explain funding methods, and identify legal concepts such as testamentary trusts and pour-over wills. This section offers plain-language explanations of technical language you may encounter when planning for your pet. Clear terminology reduces confusion and helps ensure each provision aligns with your intentions for care, funding, and oversight. Learning these terms empowers you to ask the right questions and make decisions that protect your companion animal effectively.
A trustee is the person or entity responsible for managing trust funds and carrying out the trust’s terms. In a pet trust, the trustee handles financial matters such as paying for food, veterinary care, boarding, and other authorized expenses for the animal. The trustee must follow the trust’s instructions, keep accurate records of expenditures, and distribute remaining funds according to the trust’s provisions when the pet dies. The trustee may be the caregiver, a family member, a trusted friend, or a professional trustee, and it is important to choose someone reliable and willing to fulfill these duties over time.
A pour-over will is a document that directs assets to be transferred into a trust upon the testator’s death. For pet owners, a pour-over will can ensure that assets not already placed into the pet trust during life are moved into the trust and used for the animal’s care. This mechanism simplifies funding by capturing residual property and avoiding gaps in coverage. It is commonly used alongside living trusts to centralize asset distribution and support the trust’s intended purposes, including ongoing pet care and financial provisions for caregivers.
A caregiver is the person who will physically provide daily care to your animal. This role includes feeding, grooming, exercise, administering medication, and transporting the animal to veterinary appointments. Caregivers may be family members, friends, or other trusted individuals, and it is important to document their willingness to serve and how they should be compensated or supported. The trust can provide funds to the caregiver and include expectations for reporting to the trustee, maintaining records, and following the owner’s directions for the animal’s ongoing care.
Funding refers to the assets or resources designated to support the pet trust. This may include transfers of bank accounts, life insurance proceeds, retirement plan distributions, or cash placed in the trust. Proper funding ensures the trustee has the means to pay for the animal’s care. Owners should plan funding levels realistically, considering the animal’s expected lifetime needs, veterinary costs, and inflation. A clear funding plan avoids disputes and ensures the trust can provide for the animal’s welfare throughout its life while protecting remaining funds after the animal passes.
When planning for a pet’s future, owners can choose among several legal tools, including pet trusts, informal caregiver instructions, or simply naming a caregiver in a will. A pet trust combines care instructions with dedicated funding and formal oversight through a trustee. Informal arrangements may work in some families but can lead to disagreements over costs and care. A pour-over will can capture funds for a trust after death, while durable powers of attorney and advance directives address temporary incapacity. Evaluating these options involves balancing flexibility, enforceability, and the level of structure you want for your pet’s care.
A limited or informal approach can be appropriate when a trusted family member has already agreed to assume ongoing care and there is clear consensus about responsibilities. In such cases a written letter of instruction and direct gifting of funds to the caregiver may provide sufficient support. This approach can reduce complexity and cost while ensuring the pet’s daily needs are met. However, it’s wise to document the arrangement to reduce the risk of misunderstanding and to include backup plans should the primary caregiver become unavailable or change their circumstances.
If an animal requires minimal medical care, predictable daily routines, and modest ongoing expenses, a simple plan may be adequate. Owners with straightforward financial situations and immediate family willing to help might prefer informal instructions supplemented by direct transfers of modest funds. This option reduces paperwork while still supporting care. That said, planning for contingencies such as the caregiver’s incapacity or relocation remains important. Even simple arrangements benefit from a written plan outlining who will care for the pet and how expenses will be handled if circumstances change.
When a pet has ongoing medical needs, requires regular medication, or has behavioral issues requiring special management, a formal pet trust provides structure and funding for continuity of care. A trust can specify veterinary protocols, designate money for specialized treatments, and authorize caregivers or veterinarians to make timely decisions. Precise instructions reduce the risk of inconsistent care and ensure financial resources are available for long-term requirements. This formal approach also relieves caregivers of financial uncertainty and provides a clear legal framework for carrying out the owner’s intent.
When significant funds are set aside for a pet’s care or when multiple caregivers and backup plans are involved, a formal trust helps manage and protect resources. A trustee can administer funds impartially, pay documented expenses, and resolve disagreements between caregivers. Trust provisions can allocate compensation, require expense reporting, and provide for successor caregivers. For owners who want to guarantee long-term support for their pets and limit the potential for disputes over money or responsibilities, a formal trust provides clarity, accountability, and an enforceable mechanism to carry out the owner’s wishes.
A comprehensive pet trust provides legal enforceability, sustained funding, and clear directives that protect the animal and support caregivers. It formalizes the division of responsibilities between caregiver and trustee, ensures records are kept, and creates a mechanism for oversight if disputes arise. The trust can be tailored to address medical preferences, behavioral needs, and preferred living arrangements. By documenting instructions and funding, owners reduce uncertainty and the potential for caretaker hardship, ensuring their companion animal receives consistent care even when circumstances change for the caregiver or family.
Comprehensive planning also allows for thoughtful contingency planning and the appointment of successor caregivers and trustees, which helps avoid emergency decision-making when emotions are high. Detailed provisions about veterinary care, medication, and daily routines help caregivers maintain a stable environment for the animal. A trust can also direct how any leftover funds should be used, such as donating to an animal charity or returning to designated beneficiaries, ensuring that financial resources are used in ways that align with the owner’s wishes after the pet’s life ends.
A formal trust creates a clear pathway for funds to be used solely for the pet’s benefit, reducing the risk that money intended for the animal will be used for other purposes. The trustee manages expenditures, tracks expenses, and compensates caregivers as directed. This financial security supports predictable care and gives caregivers confidence they can access necessary resources. With careful planning you can estimate likely expenses and provide a funding level that reflects anticipated needs, veterinary costs, and reasonable contingencies to ensure the animal’s welfare throughout its lifetime.
A detailed trust provides precise instructions for daily routines, medical preferences, and emergency procedures to preserve continuity of care. Clear directives minimize confusion for caregivers and veterinarians and reduce the likelihood of inconsistent decisions. Succession planning ensures that if a caregiver cannot continue, a named successor steps in seamlessly. These measures protect the pet’s wellbeing and uphold the owner’s intent. When everyone involved understands the expectations and legal obligations, the companion animal benefits from consistent, documented care rather than ad hoc arrangements.
Write down your pet’s daily schedule, dietary restrictions, medication regimen, favorite activities, and behavioral notes to guide the caregiver and veterinarian. Include contact information for your regular veterinarian and any specialists, along with a record of vaccinations and medical history. These practical details make transitions smoother and help the caretaker honor your wishes. Clear documentation also helps a trustee evaluate expenses and understand routine needs, so funds are used appropriately and the animal retains familiar routines that reduce stress during changes in living situation.
Estimate likely lifetime costs for food, routine care, and possible medical treatments when funding the trust. Discuss with your trustee how payments will be handled and what documentation will be required for reimbursements. Consider modest compensation for the caregiver and provisions for extraordinary medical needs. Setting reasonable funding levels and clear oversight procedures reduces conflict and ensures resources are available. A trustee’s role in managing funds and maintaining records protects the caregiver and provides transparency about how trust monies support the animal’s welfare.
A pet trust helps ensure that your companion animal receives ongoing care in accordance with your wishes and that funds are available to cover necessary expenses. It prevents confusion among family members, offers a legal mechanism for funding and oversight, and allows you to appoint trusted individuals to carry out your instructions. For owners who want to avoid informal or uncertain arrangements, a trust provides clarity and enforceability. It also allows for contingency planning, so backup caregivers and successor trustees are already identified, reducing the stress that follows unexpected events.
Choosing a pet trust is especially important if your animal has special medical needs, if there is potential for family disagreement, or if you own significant assets intended to support the pet. A trust can integrate with your broader estate plan, such as a last will and pour-over provisions, to ensure assets flow to the trust when needed. By creating a thoughtful plan now, you minimize the chances of emergency decisions later and give your caregiver tools and resources to provide consistent, high-quality care for your companion animal throughout its life.
Pet trusts are commonly used when owners want to guarantee funding for long-term care, when a pet has ongoing medical needs, when there are no immediate family members able to provide consistent care, or when the owner seeks to prevent family disputes over the pet’s custody and expenses. They also serve owners who travel frequently, face potential incapacity, or wish to formalize caregiver compensation. In each situation, the trust can be tailored with specific instructions and funding mechanisms so the animal’s needs are met reliably over time.
When no immediate family member is available or willing to assume care, a pet trust creates a legal plan for the animal’s future. The trust can appoint a caregiver who has agreed to step in and provide funds to cover necessary expenses. Detailed instructions for care, medical authorizations, and a succession plan for caregivers help the appointed person fulfill their role without ambiguity. This approach protects the animal from homelessness or uncertain placement and ensures there is a documented plan that guides decisions and funding for years to come.
Pets requiring ongoing medical attention or long-term medication benefit from the structure a trust provides. A pet trust can allocate funds for veterinary visits, therapies, medication, and emergency procedures, and it can specify acceptable levels of treatment. Clear medical directives reduce the burden on caregivers when making difficult choices and help ensure consistent care aligned with the owner’s wishes. By funding these needs in advance, owners provide peace of mind that necessary treatments can continue even if they cannot be present to advocate for the animal.
When family dynamics make pet placement uncertain, a pet trust reduces the likelihood of disputes by documenting the owner’s wishes, naming caregivers, and providing funds for care. Clear legal instructions discourage competing claims and set a framework for resolving conflicts if they arise. By specifying compensation for caregivers, reporting requirements, and procedures for successor appointments, the trust clarifies expectations and promotes cooperation among family members. This helps ensure the animal’s care is prioritized according to the owner’s intentions rather than left to contentious decision-making.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman is available to assist Hamilton City residents with pet trust planning and related estate planning needs. We provide guidance on drafting agreements that name caregivers and trustees, setting appropriate funding levels, and coordinating pet trust provisions with wills, trusts, and healthcare directives. Our office can help prepare pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and guardianship nominations so that both people and pets are cared for. By discussing options and preparing clear documents, we help clients protect their animals and minimize future uncertainty for caregivers.
Local knowledge and a focus on practical estate planning make our office well suited to help arrange pet trusts that work within California law. We discuss funding options, caregiver roles, and document coordination so your wishes are implemented smoothly. Our approach is centered on clear written instructions, realistic funding calculations, and named backups to help ensure the animal receives consistent care. Clients benefit from step-by-step guidance that transforms intentions into enforceable provisions and addresses likely scenarios owners face when planning for their pets’ futures.
We help clients draft all necessary documents that fit together, including pour-over wills, durable powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and trust-related certifications. These documents ensure assets are properly directed to the pet trust and that agents have the authority to act during incapacity. We also assist in selecting appropriate trustees, preparing caregiver agreements, and advising on funding methods that minimize probate complications. Our goal is to provide practical legal arrangements that reduce uncertainty and support both the caregiver and the animal’s ongoing needs.
Clear communication and attention to detail help owners avoid common pitfalls such as underfunding a trust, failing to name successors, or leaving ambiguous medical instructions. We review your objectives, estimate costs, and create documents that reflect your priorities for daily care, medical treatment, and eventual disposition of funds. By planning ahead with comprehensive documents, you protect your companion animal and make the transition easier for caregivers, ensuring your pet’s needs remain a priority when you are no longer able to care for them personally.
Our process begins with a consultation to understand your pet’s needs, your caregiving preferences, and the assets you plan to allocate. We review medical histories, discuss suitable caregivers, and estimate funding needs for routine and possible extraordinary care. Next we draft the trust and related documents, coordinate funding methods such as pour-over wills or account designations, and confirm caregiver and trustee selections. Finally, we review the signed documents with you, provide copies to key parties, and advise on keeping the trust up to date as circumstances change.
The first step is a thorough discussion to capture details about your animal, preferred caregivers, financial resources, and medical history. We ask about daily routines, special needs, and long-term expectations so the trust reflects practical care requirements. This meeting helps estimate funding needs and informs the structure of the trust, including trustee authority and reporting requirements. We also discuss related estate documents to ensure coordination and provide guidance on who should be notified and how to document caregiver agreements effectively.
We document your pet’s care routine, medical needs, and behavior patterns, then discuss potential caregivers and their willingness to serve. This step includes evaluating whether a family member, friend, or alternative caregiver is best suited for daily care and whether compensation or additional support will be needed. We also explore successor caregiver options and vet contact details to ensure smooth transitions. Clear identification of caregivers and expectations reduces the chance of confusion and prepares everyone involved for their roles when the trust becomes active.
We review personal assets and recommend funding strategies to ensure the pet trust has sufficient resources. This might include transferring bank accounts, naming a trust as beneficiary of a life insurance policy, or using a pour-over will to capture residual assets. We calculate likely lifetime costs based on age, health, and expected veterinary needs, advising on an appropriate funding amount. Establishing a clear funding plan reduces the risk of underfunding and helps the trustee carry out the trust’s directives effectively for the animal’s benefit.
During this step we prepare the pet trust and supporting documents tailored to your instructions. The trust sets out the duties of the trustee and caregiver, funding terms, medical directives, and provisions for successor appointments. We ensure the language is clear and legally enforceable under California law while reflecting your preferences for care and funding. You and your caregivers review the draft documents so any necessary adjustments can be made, and we confirm that all parties understand the practical and financial expectations laid out in the plan.
We align the pet trust with your will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive so assets and authority flow smoothly. A pour-over will can direct remaining assets into the trust at death, while powers of attorney allow agents to manage affairs during incapacity. Coordinating these documents helps avoid conflicts and ensures the trustee and caregivers have the legal authority needed to act. This integrated approach prevents gaps in funding and authority that could otherwise delay or complicate care for your pet.
We finalize the appointment of trustee and caregiver, documenting compensation, reporting requirements, and procedures for resolving disputes. Agreements clarify expectations and reduce future uncertainty about responsibilities. We also include successor designations and emergency contacts so the plan can be implemented without delay. Formalizing these appointments in writing helps ensure continuity of care and gives both caregivers and trustees the legal framework needed to act confidently on behalf of the animal.
After documents are executed, we assist with transferring assets into the trust and delivering copies to relevant parties. We recommend periodic reviews to update the trust as your pet’s needs or personal circumstances change. If medical conditions change or a caregiver’s availability shifts, revisiting trust terms keeps the plan current and effective. We also offer guidance on recordkeeping practices for trustees and caregivers to ensure transparency in how funds are used and to preserve trust compliance over time.
We help complete account transfers, beneficiary designations, and asset retitling needed to fund the trust. Proper funding ensures the trustee can access resources for care when required. We provide instructions and checklists for financial institutions and confirm that any pour-over will provisions are coordinated with your estate plan. Taking these steps promptly reduces the likelihood of probate delays and ensures that funds intended for the animal are available when the trust becomes operative.
Life changes and evolving circumstances mean trusts should be revisited periodically to confirm they still reflect your wishes. We recommend reviewing the trust after major events such as changes in health, relocation, or alterations in caregiver availability. Amendments can update funding levels, successor appointments, and care instructions. Regular reviews keep the plan effective and aligned with current needs, providing ongoing protection for your companion animal and ensuring that the trust continues to function as intended.
A pet trust is a legal arrangement that names a trustee to hold and manage funds for the care of a specified companion animal and appoints a caregiver to provide day-to-day care. The trust sets out instructions for feeding, veterinary care, housing, and any special needs, and authorizes the trustee to disburse funds for those purposes. By formalizing these elements, a pet trust reduces uncertainty and ensures resources are available for the animal’s welfare, even when the owner is no longer able to provide care personally. This structure protects both the animal and the caregiver by providing financial support and a clear plan of action. The trustee is responsible for accounting and ensuring funds are used according to the trust’s terms, while the caregiver focuses on day-to-day needs. Naming successors and documenting medical and routine preferences helps the plan operate smoothly through changes in circumstances, offering a reliable method to safeguard your pet’s future.
Selecting a caregiver involves choosing someone who understands your pet’s temperament, routines, and medical requirements and who is willing to accept long-term responsibility. Discuss expectations openly and confirm the individual’s ability to provide daily care, transportation to veterinary appointments, and a stable living environment. Naming a backup caregiver is also important so there is a plan if the primary person becomes unavailable. Written agreements outlining compensation, duties, and reporting help avoid misunderstandings and ensure continuity of care. Choosing a trustee requires someone trustworthy to manage funds, keep records, and follow the trust’s terms. The trustee should be financially responsible and able to communicate with caregivers and veterinarians. Sometimes owners appoint a family member, friend, or professional trustee. Clarifying the trustee’s authority and responsibilities in the trust document helps both trustee and caregiver understand how funds are disbursed and reported, reducing conflict and improving the animal’s care outcomes.
Estimating funding for a pet trust starts with assessing routine expenses such as food, grooming, routine veterinary visits, and any regular medications. Consider the animal’s current age, anticipated lifespan, and typical annual costs, then factor in inflation and potential increases in medical needs as the pet ages. It helps to gather past veterinary bills and estimate reasonable monthly and yearly budgets to reach an informed funding level that meets expected needs without leaving caregivers under-resourced. Many owners also provide for contingency funds to cover unexpected emergencies or specialized treatments. Discussing likely scenarios with a veterinarian and calculating conservative estimates can help determine a funding amount that balances practicality with compassion. The trust document can specify how funds are used and require receipts or reporting to the trustee so resources are used as intended and remain available throughout the animal’s life.
Yes, a pour-over will is commonly used to transfer assets into a trust at the testator’s death. If you have not fully funded the pet trust during your lifetime, a pour-over will can direct remaining assets into the trust so they become available to support the animal’s care. This approach helps centralize assets within the trust and reduces the likelihood that resources intended for the pet will be distributed elsewhere in probate. It is important to coordinate the pour-over will with the trust to ensure the transfer occurs smoothly. Working with legal counsel helps confirm that beneficiary designations, account titles, and other funding steps align with your overall estate plan so the trust receives the intended assets and the pet’s care is funded as you planned.
A pet trust should include instructions for the disposition of any remaining funds after the animal’s death. Common options include directing leftover funds to a named individual, donating to an animal welfare organization, or distributing assets according to other terms in your estate plan. Specifying a clear recipient and purpose for remaining funds prevents uncertainty and ensures that the money is used in a manner consistent with your intentions. Be mindful that the trustee must follow the trust’s directives when distributing remaining funds. Clear language in the trust outlining how to calculate final expenses and how to handle remaining assets makes the trustee’s job straightforward and reduces the potential for disagreement among intended recipients. Planning these details in advance gives you control over how the funds are ultimately used.
A properly funded pet trust can cover emergency veterinary care and long-term treatments as authorized within the trust terms. The document can explicitly state that trustee funds may be used for emergency visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitative therapy when medically appropriate. Including such authorizations gives caregivers and veterinarians the clarity they need to proceed with urgent treatments while ensuring costs are available and accountable. Define limits and approval procedures within the trust to handle significant or experimental treatments, and require documentation so the trustee can evaluate expenses. Setting reasonable thresholds for costly procedures and establishing communication protocols reduces the chance of delayed care and protects the trust from being drained by unplanned high-cost interventions without proper oversight.
California recognizes pet trusts and allows owners to create enforceable arrangements for the care of companion animals. State law permits the creation of trusts that dedicate funds for animal care and provides mechanisms for trustees and caregivers to administer those funds within the trust’s terms. Creating a trust in accordance with state requirements ensures it is legally binding and that appointed parties have the authority needed to act on behalf of the animal. Working with counsel familiar with California trust law helps ensure the pet trust’s language is effective and compliant. Proper drafting addresses statutory requirements, trustee duties, and funding strategies to make certain that the trust accomplishes the owner’s goals and that the designated parties can carry out their responsibilities under state law.
To improve the likelihood that caregivers follow your instructions, include clear, practical directions in the trust and any accompanying caregiver agreement. Specify daily routines, medical preferences, and reporting requirements, and discuss these instructions with the caregiver before finalizing the documents. Having an open conversation ensures the caregiver understands expectations and agrees to them in writing, which reduces the risk of misunderstanding during stressful transitions. Including oversight provisions for the trustee and requiring periodic reports or receipts promotes transparency in how funds are used. The trustee can monitor expenses and intervene if the caregiver’s actions deviate from the trust’s terms. This balance of clearly documented guidance and financial oversight helps ensure the animal’s care aligns with the owner’s intentions.
Yes, the pet trust should be reviewed and updated if your pet’s health changes, if caregivers’ availability shifts, or if your financial circumstances alter. Medical conditions may require revised funding levels or updated instructions for care, while changes in caregiver willingness or ability may necessitate appointing new caregivers or successors. Regular reviews keep the trust aligned with current needs and help avoid gaps in care or funding. We recommend periodic reassessments, especially after major life events such as relocation, changes in family dynamics, or significant changes in the pet’s health. Amending the trust as needed ensures that your intentions remain practical and that the document continues to fulfill its purpose effectively over time.
Begin by gathering information about your pet’s routine, medical history, and financial needs, and identify potential caregivers and a trustee. Schedule a consultation to discuss your objectives and explore funding options such as account transfers, beneficiary designations, or a pour-over will for additional funding at death. These initial steps help create a plan tailored to your pet’s expected needs and your preferences for care and funding. Once you have a plan, we draft the trust and related estate documents and review them with you and any caregivers or trustees involved. After execution, we assist with funding the trust and deliver copies to relevant parties. Regular reviews after execution ensure the plan remains current and continues to protect your companion animal over time.
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