Pet Planning

For many California residents, pets are far more than animals living in the home. They are companions, sources of comfort, and integral members of the household. Despite this emotional bond, pets are often overlooked during the estate planning process. When legal arrangements are not made in advance, a beloved animal’s future may be left to chance if an owner passes away or becomes unable to provide care. Without clear instructions, pets may be placed with unprepared individuals, passed between … [Read more...] about Including the Family Pet in Your California Estate Plan

Canine Fitness Month, celebrated every April, is a great opportunity to focus on the health and well-being of your furry companion. Just like humans, dogs need regular exercise and proper care to maintain a long and healthy life. This month-long celebration encourages pet owners to assess their dog's fitness routine, make improvements, and ensure they are taking the necessary steps to promote their pet’s overall well-being. In addition, the Los Angeles attorneys at Schomer Estate & Wealth … [Read more...] about Pet Planning during Canine Fitness Month

Collectively, Americans own over 150 million dogs and cats, and that number does not take into account the millions of other pets people own in the United States. For most pet owners, the family pet(s) is just that – part of the family. If you have a pet that you consider part of the family, have you considered what would happen to your pet if something happened to you? The Los Angeles pet planning attorneys at Schomer Estate & Wealth Advisors explain how a California pet trust can help you … [Read more...] about Secure Your Pet’s Future: Creating a California Pet Trust

If you have a family pet, you probably devote a significant amount of time and money to your pet. After all, your pet is a member of the family. Have you considered what will happen to your family pet if something happens to you? To be certain that your pet is protected if you become incapacitated or are no longer here, the Los Angeles pet planning attorneys at Schomer Estate & Wealth Advisors explain why you may wish to include a pet trust in your estate plan. Pets Are Part of the Family in … [Read more...] about Is a Pet Trust Right for Your Estate Plan?

Many pet owners are under the impression that they can name their pet in their will like any other beneficiary and provide some money for them to be cared for. That is not the case. Pets are considered property under the law, so they cannot “inherit” money from you, as some people assume.  This means that, even with a detailed provision in your will for your pet, you may not be securing your pet’s future as well as you might think.  If you want to guarantee that your family friend will be … [Read more...] about What is a Pet Trust and Why Would I Need One?

Long Beach residents may be saddened to hear about the abuse and neglect of animals, but according to a recent article, a terrier-poodle mix named Chloe was found beaten and tied up in a trash bag, discarded in a dumpster in Long Beach. When she was rescued, she underwent a successful surgery to realign her fractured femur and implant a titanium plate to support her leg during recovery. Long Beach Animal Emergency officials stated that she will probably need two additional months of physical … [Read more...] about How Pet Trusts Can Protect Your Family Friend

Contrary to what many people think, you cannot simply leave money to your pet in your will.  Pets are considered property under the law, so they cannot “inherit” money from you, as some people assume. Yet, even with a detailed provision in your will for your pet, you may not be securing your pet’s future as well as you might think.  If you want to guarantee that your family friend will be properly cared for after your death, you should seriously consider a pet trust. Our Los Angeles estate … [Read more...] about Do You Need a Pet Trust for Your Family Friend?

Contrary to what Long Beach residents may believe, you cannot simply leave money to your pet in your will.  Pets are considered property under the law, so they cannot “inherit” money from you, as some people assume.  Yet, even with a detailed provision in your will for your pet, you may not be securing your pet’s future as well as you might think.  If you want to guarantee that your family friend will be properly cared for after your death, you should seriously consider a pet trust. How does a … [Read more...] about Long Beach Residents Can Create Pet Trusts

Pet owners should not overlook the need to include pet planning in their overall estate plan. If you pass away without a pet plan, the consequences are not good.  Unfortunately, you cannot simply name a beneficiary for your pet.  Instead, more specific plans need to be made to ensure that the caregiver will be legally bound by the terms you set, and the financial support needed to care for your pet will be secure.  If you are wondering, what should a pet plan include, let our trust attorneys … [Read more...] about The Basics of Pet Planning California