Planning for a pet’s future is an important part of estate planning, and a pet trust can provide ongoing care and financial support for your companion after your passing or incapacity. This page explains what a pet trust is, how it works in California, and why residents of La Riviera may choose this approach to ensure pets are cared for according to their wishes. We describe the main documents commonly included in an estate plan, how a trustee administers funds for a pet, and practical steps to create a durable plan that reflects your priorities for the animals you love.
Choosing to include a pet trust in your estate plan helps protect your animal’s wellbeing by setting clear directions and allocating resources for care. A properly drafted trust outlines who will care for the pet, how funds should be used, and conditions for distribution, reducing the risk of confusion or disagreement among caregivers and family members. This overview is designed to help La Riviera residents understand available options, anticipate costs and timelines, and learn what to gather before meeting with a lawyer to draft documents such as a revocable living trust or a pour-over will that integrate pet care provisions.
A pet trust formalizes your instructions for pet care and provides financial resources to carry out those instructions. By naming a caregiver and providing a funding mechanism, you reduce the likelihood of your pet being placed in a shelter or moved frequently, and you increase the chance your pet will remain with a trusted person. Pet trusts also allow you to instruct on medical care, boarding, grooming, and other routine needs. For La Riviera owners who view pets as family, a trust offers peace of mind by ensuring consistent care and a clear plan for distribution of funds if circumstances change.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman focuses on practical, client-focused estate planning for individuals and families in California, including tailored pet trust arrangements. We guide clients through decisions about funding, caregiver selection, and drafting clear instructions that integrate with other estate planning documents like wills and powers of attorney. Our approach centers on understanding each client’s priorities for their animal companions, translating those priorities into durable legal documents, and coordinating with family members to minimize future conflict. Clients receive straightforward advice on administration, trustee responsibilities, and methods to ensure ongoing care.
A pet trust is a legal arrangement that provides for the care and maintenance of a pet through a trust fund and written instructions. In California, statute recognizes pet trusts and allows property to be set aside specifically for an animal’s care for the pet’s lifetime or a defined period. The trust names a trustee to manage funds and a designated caregiver to provide daily care. Effective planning requires clear language about acceptable expenses, veterinary care, housing, and contingencies if the caregiver cannot continue. Properly funded trusts are more likely to achieve their intended outcomes.
Creating a pet trust involves decisions about who will manage funds, who will care for the animal, and how to handle surplus funds if the pet dies or the trust is terminated. Many clients pair a pet trust with a revocable living trust or include a pour-over will to ensure assets intended for pet care pass into the trust. Other considerations include backup caregivers, directions for medical decisions, and periodic review to ensure funding remains sufficient. We help clients structure the trust to reflect realistic costs and to provide flexibility while maintaining clear boundaries for use of trust funds.
A pet trust is a legal vehicle that holds assets for the specific purpose of caring for one or more animals according to the grantor’s written instructions. It typically identifies the beneficiary pet, designates a trustee to manage funds, and names a caregiver for daily care. The trust document can outline authorized expenses such as food, grooming, boarding, routine veterinary care, emergency medical treatment, and boarding when travel is necessary. It can also include preferences for placement, travel, and socialization. Well-drafted provisions anticipate common contingencies and reduce the chance of misunderstanding after the owner’s incapacity or death.
Core elements of a pet trust include the trust instrument, funding sources, a trustee to manage finances, a caregiver to provide hands-on care, and instructions for the use of funds. The trustee has fiduciary responsibilities to manage the assets prudently and reimburse the caregiver for approved expenses. Processes typically include submission of receipts, periodic accountings, and provisions for addressing disputes or caregiving changes. Including clear standards for veterinary decisions and end-of-life preferences helps align caregiver actions with the owner’s wishes and prevents disagreements that could disrupt care.
This glossary defines commonly used terms found in pet trust documents to help La Riviera residents understand their plan. It covers roles such as trustee and caregiver, concepts like funding and designation of beneficiaries, and procedural items such as accountings and contingencies. Familiarity with these terms helps you make informed decisions when drafting or reviewing documents and ensures clear communication with family members and those who may be responsible for carrying out your instructions. If you have questions about a specific term in your draft documents, seek clarification before finalizing the plan.
A trustee is the person or institution responsible for managing the trust’s assets and ensuring funds are used in accordance with the trust document. The trustee oversees financial matters, disburses funds for approved expenses, and may be required to provide periodic reports or accounting to designated parties. Responsibilities typically include maintaining separate trust accounts, keeping records, paying bills related to the animal’s care, and making decisions when language in the trust allows. Choosing a trustee who is reliable and willing to coordinate with the caregiver helps maintain continuity of care for the pet.
The caregiver is the individual who provides day-to-day care for the pet, following the owner’s stated preferences in the trust document. Caregiver duties often include feeding, exercise, grooming, administering medication, arranging veterinary care, and providing companionship. The trust can specify whether the caregiver receives compensation, how reimbursements are documented, and whether a backup caregiver is designated. Clear instructions about the caregiver’s duties and expectations reduce conflict and make it easier for that person to fulfill the owner’s wishes while accessing the funds they need to do so.
Funding refers to the assets or property placed into the trust to provide for the pet’s care. Common funding sources include cash, designated accounts, proceeds from an estate, or transfers from a revocable living trust. The amount and type of funding affect how long the trust can support the pet and what level of care is feasible. Proper funding estimates consider ordinary expenses, potential medical costs, inflation, and the pet’s expected lifespan. Including instructions for additional funding or adjustments helps ensure the trust remains adequate over time.
Termination provisions explain what happens to remaining trust assets after the pet dies, is permanently placed elsewhere, or the trust’s stated purpose is complete. A common approach names a residual beneficiary, such as a family member, charity, or animal welfare organization, who receives leftover funds. Another approach allows the trustee discretion to determine reasonable distribution. Clear residual distribution instructions prevent disputes and ensure remaining funds are handled in line with the owner’s overall estate planning goals, providing closure and clarity for all parties involved.
When considering a pet trust, it helps to compare it with alternatives such as a will directive, informal family agreement, or leaving funds to a caregiver outright. A trust offers a more structured arrangement with fiduciary oversight and formal funding, while a will may not provide for ongoing financial management and could require probate. Informal agreements lack legal enforceability and clarity about funds. Leaving money outright to a caregiver can raise tax or estate issues and might not ensure funds are used specifically for the pet. Understanding these differences helps choose the best solution for your circumstances.
A limited approach, such as a clear written directive in a will or a letter of instruction, can be appropriate when anticipated care needs are minimal and funds are not required for ongoing management. If a trusted caregiver is willing to assume responsibility without reimbursement or if resources required for care are small and easily handled through a personal account, formal trust arrangements may not be necessary. However, even for modest needs, written instructions reduce uncertainty and improve the likelihood that your wishes for the pet’s placement and daily care will be followed by those you leave behind.
If a close family member or friend has both the willingness and financial ability to care for your pet, a simple designation in a will or an informal arrangement may suffice. This approach can reduce legal complexity and cost, but it relies on continued goodwill and availability of the designated caregiver. It is wise to confirm the caregiver’s willingness and to document any expectations regarding funding or reimbursement. Without formal funding mechanisms, there is a greater risk that changing circumstances could lead to interruptions in care, so contingency planning remains important.
A comprehensive pet trust is typically recommended when the anticipated duration of care is long or potential veterinary and other costs are substantial. For animals with ongoing medical conditions, advanced age, or special care requirements, a funded trust helps ensure resources are available to meet those needs without burdening the caregiver. The trust structure allows for prudent management of assets, documentation of expenses, and oversight, reducing the risk that funds will be misused or exhausted prematurely. This approach provides a stable financial foundation for consistent, high-quality care.
If you want legal protections that ensure funds are used only for your pet and prefer accountability mechanisms such as trustee reporting, a comprehensive trust provides this structure. A formally drafted trust can include provisions for oversight, successor caregivers, and detailed instructions for medical and lifestyle preferences. This legal framework reduces ambiguity, protects the pet’s resources, and offers recourse if disputes arise. For individuals who value certainty and long-term planning, the additional formality helps preserve the owner’s intentions and makes administration smoother for caregivers and fiduciaries.
A comprehensive approach to pet care in estate planning provides consistent funding, legal mechanisms for oversight, and detailed instructions guiding the caregiver’s actions. This structure reduces the likelihood of disputes, ensures timely payment of veterinary bills, and supports choices about housing, travel, and medical treatment. Comprehensive trusts can also establish backup plans for caregiver incapacity and clarify what should happen to leftover funds. For pet owners who want to preserve a certain standard of care and reduce stress for family members after an unexpected event, a well-funded trust is a practical and reliable solution.
Additional advantages include the ability to tailor distributions to specific needs such as medication costs, training, or special diets, and the capacity to set conditions for funds release to prevent misuse. The trust can specify frequency and method of reimbursements, require receipts, and set limitations on discretionary spending. This level of detail gives trustees and caregivers clear guidance while protecting the pet’s interests. By integrating the pet trust with other estate planning documents, owners create a unified plan that addresses both human beneficiaries and animal dependents in a coordinated manner.
One key benefit of a comprehensive pet trust is the assurance that funds will be available for the animal’s needs over its lifetime. Properly estimated funding accounts for routine expenses, unexpected medical treatments, and potential changes in caretaking arrangements. This financial security helps avoid situations where a caregiver must choose between the pet’s needs and personal expenses, allowing decisions to focus on the pet’s wellbeing. Including provisions for adjustments and contingencies keeps the trust viable over time and reduces the likelihood of premature depletion of resources intended for the pet’s care.
Comprehensive pet trusts provide clear written guidance that helps prevent disputes among family members and caregivers. When instructions are specific about who is responsible for care, how funds should be used, and what happens in various contingencies, there is less room for differing interpretations. The trustee’s role in managing funds and enforcing the trust’s terms adds a layer of accountability that supports consistent outcomes. This clarity benefits both the pet and the people involved by reducing emotional stress and administrative uncertainty during a difficult time.
Before drafting a pet trust, talk with potential caregivers to confirm their willingness and ability to care for your pet according to your preferences. Discuss daily routines, medical care expectations, and any behaviors or special needs the pet has so the caregiver understands what is involved. Confirming this ahead of time reduces the likelihood of future refusal and helps you name appropriate backup caregivers. Having a candid conversation also gives you the chance to align expectations about compensation or reimbursement and ensures a smoother transition if and when the caregiver takes responsibility.
A pet trust should not exist in isolation; integrating it with your revocable living trust, pour-over will, power of attorney documents, and health care directives ensures consistency across your estate plan. This coordination helps direct assets into the pet trust and clarifies how responsibilities are assigned if you become incapacitated. Include references in related documents to avoid conflicts and ensure the trustee has the necessary authority. Regular reviews of the entire estate plan ensure that all provisions remain aligned with your current wishes and family dynamics.
Pet trusts provide a formal mechanism to protect animals with dedicated funding and clear instructions, making them a popular choice for pet owners who want certainty about future care. They reduce uncertainty for family members, provide financial resources for medical and daily needs, and create enforceable obligations for trustees and caregivers. For animals with ongoing medical conditions, advanced age, or specific care requirements, the structure of a trust helps ensure consistent attention and timely payments. Owners who value continuity of care and detailed instructions often find a pet trust to be the most reliable option.
A pet trust can also serve as a tool for reducing conflict among heirs by clearly articulating the owner’s wishes and providing a funding mechanism separate from general estate assets. This separation helps prevent disagreements about allocation of estate resources and focuses financial decision-making on the pet’s needs. Additionally, integrating a pet trust with other planning documents makes it easier to manage transfers and avoid probate delays that could disrupt care. The result is a practical plan that protects the animal’s welfare while aligning with the owner’s broader planning goals.
Pet trusts are commonly used when owners are concerned about the long-term care of companion animals, when animals have special medical needs, or when owners lack close family who can assume responsibility without support. They are also useful when owners want to leave funds for care but prefer an independent party to manage those resources rather than entrust them directly to a caregiver. Situations involving multiple pets, blended families, or pets with significant behavioral or medical needs often benefit from the formal structure and oversight a trust provides.
When an owner lacks immediate family members who can step in, a pet trust offers a way to designate a caregiver and provide funding for long-term care. This arrangement ensures the pet is placed with a preselected person or organization and that funds are available for ongoing expenses. The trust can also name backup caregivers and describe how decisions should be made if the primary caregiver becomes unavailable, reducing the risk that the pet will be placed in a shelter or experience disruption in care due to lack of planning.
Pets that require ongoing medical treatment, specialized diets, training, or other special arrangements can benefit from a trust that ensures funds are earmarked for those needs. A trust provides the financial structure to cover medications, regular veterinary visits, and any required training or accommodations. It also enables the owner to include detailed care instructions and approved providers, which helps caregivers make appropriate choices that align with the owner’s preferences while ensuring the pet receives consistent, high-quality care.
When assets intended for a pet pass through probate, delays can create gaps in care or uncertainty about access to funds. A properly funded pet trust can avoid probate for assets placed in trust during the owner’s lifetime, allowing quicker access to resources for the animal’s needs. This timely access helps ensure veterinary bills and care expenses are paid promptly and prevents interruptions that might otherwise occur while the estate is being settled. Trust-based planning therefore provides more immediate protection for the pet’s wellbeing.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman serves La Riviera and surrounding areas by helping clients design and implement pet trusts tailored to each pet owner’s circumstances. We assist with selecting caregivers, estimating funding, drafting clear trust language, and integrating pet provisions into broader estate plans. Our goal is to provide practical, durable solutions that protect animals and minimize the administrative burden on family members. Whether you need a simple directive or a fully funded trust, we help you create a plan that reflects your intent and protects your companion’s future.
Clients choose our firm because we focus on careful drafting, clear communication, and practical administration plans that make pet care after incapacity or death straightforward. We help clients identify appropriate caregivers, determine reasonable funding levels, and draft provisions that minimize conflict and ambiguity. Our process includes reviewing your overall estate plan to ensure pet provisions are fully integrated and effective. The result is a plan that addresses both the animal’s needs and your family’s concerns with clear, enforceable instructions.
We prioritize a collaborative approach that starts with listening to your goals for the pet and leads to a document that reflects those priorities while remaining administratively practical. We discuss funding mechanisms, backup plans, and reporting requirements so trustees and caregivers understand their roles. We also review potential tax and probate implications to make sure the selected approach aligns with your broader objectives. The aim is to deliver a durable plan that protects your pet without imposing undue complexity on those who will carry it out.
Our firm provides ongoing support through document updates, trustee guidance, and coordination with caregivers and other professionals when necessary. Life changes such as relocation, new pets, or changes in health may require adjustments to a plan, and we help clients update their documents to reflect current circumstances. Clear communication, sensible drafting, and attention to practical administration are hallmarks of our service, helping clients achieve peace of mind about their animals’ long-term welfare.
Our process begins with an intake to gather information about the pet, the owner’s wishes, financial resources, and potential caregivers. We then prepare draft documents that reflect those wishes and discuss funding options to ensure the trust is practical and sustainable. After finalizing documents, we assist with funding transfers, document execution, and instructions for caregivers and trustees. We also provide guidance on recordkeeping and regular reviews to keep the plan current. Throughout, the focus is on creating a manageable plan that protects the pet and eases administration for those left in charge.
During the initial consultation, we collect detailed information about the pet’s needs, potential caregivers, desired funding level, and any specific instructions you want included. This discussion helps determine whether a simple directive or a funded trust is appropriate. We also review your existing estate documents to identify integration points and funding strategies. The goal is to establish a clear set of objectives and practical parameters to guide the drafting of the trust and related documents so the resulting plan aligns with your intentions and available resources.
We ask about the pet’s age, health history, routine, medical or behavioral needs, and expected longevity to estimate likely care costs and identify suitable caretakers. Information about veterinary providers, medication schedules, and daily routines helps us draft detailed instructions that make transitions smoother for caregivers. Gathering this information upfront allows us to recommend funding levels and practical oversight provisions that reflect real-world needs rather than guesswork, resulting in a document caregivers can implement easily when needed.
We work with you to identify potential primary and backup caregivers and to select a trustee suited to manage finances and enforce the trust’s terms. Discussions include compensation, reimbursement practices, recordkeeping, and how the trustee and caregiver will coordinate. Establishing these roles in advance and naming alternates reduces the risk of administrative gaps and ensures continuity of care. Clear contingency planning provides peace of mind, so that if the primary caregiver cannot perform duties, a smooth transition is possible without interrupting the pet’s routine.
After planning, we draft the trust instrument and any related documents, such as a pour-over will or directions within a revocable living trust, ensuring language is clear and enforceable under California law. Drafts specify funding methods, permitted expenses, trustee duties, and the disposition of any remaining funds. We review the drafts with you to confirm they reflect your preferences and answer questions about administration and contingencies. This collaborative review ensures the final documents are comprehensive and practical for those who will implement them.
During drafting, we identify the assets or accounts that will fund the trust and set clear procedures for disbursing funds for authorized expenses. This includes instructions on documentation required for reimbursements, acceptable vendors or providers, and whether caregivers receive periodic stipends or expense-based reimbursements. Clear procedures help trustees administer funds efficiently and reduce friction between fiduciaries and caregivers. Properly documenting funding steps also helps avoid probate delays and ensures the trust is operational when needed.
The drafting process establishes the trustee’s powers, such as investment discretion, authority to hire professionals, and requirements for recordkeeping and reporting. We tailor reporting intervals and detail the scope of information trustees must provide to beneficiaries or other designated parties. These provisions help maintain financial transparency and provide accountability for trust funds used for the pet’s care. Clear authority and reporting standards reduce confusion and enable trustees to act confidently and in accordance with the owner’s directives.
Once documents are signed, we assist with transferring assets into the trust, notifying caregivers and trustees, and preparing documentation to facilitate administration. We provide guidance on recordkeeping, receipts, and communication protocols between trustees and caregivers. Ongoing administration may include periodic reviews to confirm the trust remains properly funded and to update instructions as circumstances change. We also advise on how to handle changes in caregivers or funding needs to preserve continuity of care for the pet.
Funding the trust can include transferring designated bank accounts, creating payable-on-death arrangements, or allocating a portion of the revocable living trust to the pet trust. We help select methods that avoid unnecessary delays and suit the type of assets available. Properly implementing funding ensures the trustee has timely access to resources for the pet’s needs. We also advise on documentation the caregiver should present when seeking reimbursement and how to keep accurate records to demonstrate funds were used appropriately.
Life changes such as new pets, health changes, or shifts in financial resources may require updates to the trust or related estate planning documents. We recommend periodic reviews and can assist with amendments or restatements when necessary to reflect current wishes and conditions. Keeping the plan current prevents gaps in care and maintains alignment between funding and realistic costs. Proactive updates reduce the likelihood of disputes and ensure the pet trust continues to function as intended over time.
A pet trust is a legal arrangement that sets aside assets for the care of one or more animals, naming a trustee to manage funds and a caregiver to provide day-to-day care according to the owner’s instructions. California law recognizes pet trusts, allowing property to be held for the pet’s benefit during its lifetime or for a set period. The trust document specifies authorized expenses, medical preferences, and contingency plans. The trustee disburses funds for approved costs and may be required to provide accounting or documentation to demonstrate proper use of funds. When creating a pet trust, consider how it will be funded and whether related instruments like a revocable living trust or pour-over will should be used to transfer assets. Clear instructions about veterinary care, housing, and disposal of any remaining funds help prevent disputes. Naming backup caregivers and successor trustees provides continuity. Proper coordination with other estate planning documents ensures the pet trust functions effectively when needed.
Estimating the amount to fund a pet trust requires considering routine ongoing expenses, potential medical costs, and the pet’s expected lifespan. Begin by calculating average monthly costs for food, medications, grooming, and regular veterinary care, then add an allowance for emergencies and inflation. For pets with chronic conditions or special needs, plan for higher ongoing and episodic medical expenses. Reviewing recent veterinary bills and consulting with your veterinarian can provide helpful data for these estimates. Including a margin for unforeseen events reduces the chance that funds will be exhausted. Some owners choose a conservative estimate with periodic review to adjust funding as needed. Others fund a modest stipend with a trustee empowered to manage investments or handle supplemental distributions. The right approach depends on your financial resources and the level of care you wish to guarantee.
Yes, you can name a family member as the caregiver while using a trust to fund the pet’s care, and many owners prefer this approach to ensure continuity and maintain family involvement. When doing so, discuss the arrangement openly to confirm willingness and ability to assume responsibilities, and specify in the trust whether the caregiver receives a stipend, reimbursement for documented expenses, or both. Clear documentation helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures funds are used appropriately for the pet’s needs. It is also wise to name backup caregivers and to appoint a trustee who is comfortable managing funds independently of the caregiver when needed. This separation can provide checks and balances and help resolve disputes if they arise. A trustee’s role may include reviewing receipts, making periodic payments, and ensuring funds are used according to the owner’s directions.
The trust document should specify how remaining funds are handled after the pet dies or the trust’s purpose ends. Common options include distribution to a named residual beneficiary such as a family member, friend, or charity, or allowing the trustee discretion to allocate remaining funds in a manner consistent with the owner’s general estate plan. Clear residual provisions prevent uncertainty and help align the disposition of leftover assets with the owner’s broader intentions. Including instructions about residual distributions also avoids potential conflicts among heirs. If no residual beneficiary is named, state default rules or a court may determine the disposition, which can lead to unintended results. Naming a specific residual beneficiary or charitable recipient ensures funds are applied in a way that reflects the owner’s values and priorities.
Selecting a caregiver involves choosing someone who understands the pet’s needs, is willing to assume responsibilities, and can provide a stable environment. Confirm the person’s willingness in writing and consider naming alternates in case circumstances change. For trustee selection, choose someone who is reliable with financial matters, willing to manage trust funds and bookkeeping, and able to coordinate with caregivers. The trustee does not need to be the caregiver and having separate individuals in these roles can provide accountability. It is helpful to discuss expectations about compensation, reporting, and communications between trustee and caregiver before finalizing the plan. Providing the trustee with clear instructions about documentation and reimbursement procedures simplifies administration. If personal options are limited, naming a reputable organization or appointing a co-trustee arrangement may be appropriate.
A pet trust can be funded through a revocable living trust by allocating a portion of the revocable trust assets to a designated pet trust upon the grantor’s death or incapacity. Using a revocable living trust and a pour-over will can help avoid probate and ensure smoother access to funds for the pet’s care. Properly drafted integration language and funding steps are essential to ensure assets intended for the pet are actually available when needed. Other funding methods include payable-on-death accounts, designated bank accounts, or outright transfers to the trust during the owner’s life. Each funding approach has different administrative and tax implications, so selecting the right method requires consideration of asset types and the owner’s broader estate planning goals. Coordinating documents reduces the risk of assets not reaching the trust when required.
Yes, California law specifically recognizes pet trusts and permits the creation of trusts for the care of animals. The statutes provide guidance on the validity and enforcement of pet trusts, including permissible durations and rules for appointment of trustees and enforcement mechanisms. These legal provisions give owners a reliable framework for planning and help ensure that courts will generally respect well-drafted trusts for animal care. When drafting a pet trust in California, it is important to follow statutory requirements and use clear, precise language to avoid ambiguity. Including provisions for trustee powers, reporting requirements, and residual distributions helps align the trust with statutory expectations and reduces the likelihood of litigation or administrative delays when the trust is activated.
Whether to use a separate trust for each pet depends on the animals’ needs, the owner’s goals, and administrative preferences. Some owners place multiple pets into a single trust with instructions that address each animal’s specific needs, while others create individual trusts to ensure separate funding and tailored care. Individual trusts can make accounting simpler and reduce disputes about allocations, but a combined trust may be more efficient if pets have similar care requirements and are intended to remain together. When deciding, consider the pets’ expected lifespans, potential medical needs, and whether different caregivers might assume responsibility for different animals. Clear identification of each pet and distinct instructions for medical or behavioral needs help trustees and caregivers administer the trust regardless of the chosen structure.
Regular reviews of your pet trust are recommended whenever significant life changes occur, such as new pets, changes in caregivers, alterations in financial resources, or shifts in your own health or living situation. A periodic review every few years helps confirm that funding remains appropriate and that designated people are still willing and able to serve. These reviews allow updates for changes in veterinary costs, legal developments, or family circumstances to keep the plan effective and enforceable. Updating documents when necessary prevents lapses in protection and ensures the trust remains aligned with current wishes. We assist clients in making amendments or restatements to reflect new circumstances and to maintain clarity about roles, funding, and residual distributions so administration will be straightforward when the plan is needed.
Caregivers seeking reimbursement from the trust should maintain clear records such as receipts, invoices, and veterinarian statements that document expenses incurred for the pet’s care. The trust should specify what documentation is required for reimbursement and whether periodic stipends or expense-based reimbursements are preferred. Clear procedures for submitting expenses streamline administration and reduce disputes about what qualifies as an authorized cost. Trusts can also set limits on certain categories of spending or require preapproval for major medical procedures. Communicating these expectations in writing before funds are needed makes it easier for caregivers to follow procedures and ensures trustees have the information necessary to make timely payments and preserve the trust’s assets for ongoing care.
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