Pet Trusts

One benefit of creating an estate plan is using the appropriate legal instruments to make sure beneficiaries are provided for in the event of your death. A pet trust is a legal arrangement to provide care for a pet after its owner dies. (California Probate Code Section 15212 was revised in 2009 and authorizes trusts for pets.)

For a free, confidential consultation to discuss the advantages of a pet trust, contact a San Francisco attorney at The Evans Law Firm at 415-441-8669 or 888-50-EVANS or info@evanslaw.com.

Oakland Attorneys, Providing Experienced Guidance on Matters of Trust Law That Apply to Pets

A pet trust falls under trust law and is one option for pet owners. Options include honorary trusts, provisions in a will and traditional legal trusts. Pet trusts stipulate that in the event of a grantor’s disability or death a trustee will hold property (cash, for example) “in trust” for the benefit of the grantor’s pets. The “grantor” (also called a settlor or trustor in some states) is the person who creates the trust, which may take effect during a person’s lifetime or at death.

A payment to a designated caregiver(s) will is made on a regular basis. Depending upon the state law, trusts usually continue for the life of the pet or 21 years, whichever occurs first. Some states allow a pet trust to continue for the life of the pet, without regard to a maximum duration of 21 years. This is particularly advantageous for companion animals that have longer life expectancies than cats and dogs, such as horses and parrots.

Estate Planning Lawyers Creating Trusts for Pets, Serving California

Please call 415-441-8669 or contact our lawyers online via e-mail to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss how trust law can be used to protect your pets after you have gone. Located in San Francisco, we accept cases in Oakland and communities throughout California.