What do you need to know about estate planning for pets in San Diego and throughout California? What are some of the essential elements of an effective estate plan that will protect your beloved companion(s) while ensuring their provision and comfort?
The process usually begins with the establishment of a legal entity known as a trust. The trust establishes every facet of care and provision for your pet in the event you become incapacitated or pass. The most common strategy involves a revocable trust requiring careful planning, protection, and funding. Who will be in charge of supervising the trust (known as the “trustee”) and ensuring your wishes are observed and fulfilled? How will funding be established and maintained to provide ample resources are available for the type of care you wish to ensure for your beloved pet?
What are your expectations regarding the type of life your pet will enjoy if you can no longer provide for their care? How do you envision their daily/weekly routine? What is their home to be like? What do you want them to eat? What type of veterinary care, medicine, and support will your beloved friend require? Estate planning for pets in San Diego and throughout California should provide detailed instructions regarding your beloved pet’s daily routine, favorite activities, food and treat preferences, toys, unique behaviors or challenges, medical history and anticipated care requirements, grooming requirements, and any other unique issues associated with your pet’s care and comfort.
One of the primary questions to be answered involves the identification of primary and secondary caregivers. Who is willing and able to provide the type of daily care you intend for your pet? What do you expect of them in terms of providing the level of attention and care in service of your pet? What are the acceptable backup arrangements if the caregiver you identify is ill, on vacation, or incapacitated? It is important to give thought to the options you are willing to consider regarding the ongoing care you intend for your pet to receive in various situations, as well as the types of situations or issues you wish to avoid.
A strong plan will include emergency planning and how general and specific healthcare developments in the life of your pet will be managed. Who is to provide primary veterinary care? What if your pet requires emergency care or surgery? How will specific situations be managed, and what is the line (if any) where you believe it is more merciful and loving to consider end-of-life arrangements for your pet?
Your experienced Allen Barron estate planning attorney will work with you to develop the plans you wish to memorialize, as well as a detailed set of instructions for how your beloved pet will be cared for if something happens to you. We will help you to consider and provide instructions for every foreseeable aspect associated with protections for the ongoing care, love, quality of life, support, training, and medical treatment your pet will require.
We invite you to learn more about the integrated tax, legal, accounting and business consulting services of Allen Barron and contact us or call today to schedule a free consultation at 866-631-3470.
