Tag Archives: probate

Caring For Your Companion: The Importance of Protecting Your Pet

Posted on January 15, 2013 | Leave a comment

Picture of ChihuahuaPets receiving an inheritance!  It may sound extreme, but planning for your pet’s future is not about money, it is about security for both of you.  Just as responsible parents plan in advance to appoint a guardian to care for their children, responsible pet owners need to plan in advance for their pets.  If you are a pet owner, you should have two plans in place:

1) If you are unable to properly care for your pet due to an illness or other incapacity
2) If you are unable to properly care for your pet due to your death.

According to ASPCA, approximately 62% of households in the United States have at least one pet.  Yet, only 17% of pet owners have taken legal steps for their pet’s protection.  There are some very easy and cost-effective options which you can take advantage of now.  Don’t delay, your pets are counting on you!

Option 1 (Every pet owner must do this):

Carry a Pet Identification Card with you at all times.  This can either be a physical card that you carry in your wallet or purse, or additional information contained in your I.C.E. (In case of Emergency) contact on your cell phone.  The information on the Pet Identification Card should include:

a) a picture of your pet
b) the pet’s name
c) the location of the pet
d) any special needs of your pet
e) who to contact to take care of the pet.   This card can advise a police officer or other emergency personnel that you have a pet that also needs assistance.

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Posted in Pet Trusts

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What Happens to My Assets After I Pass Away?

Posted on August 31, 2012 | Leave a comment

Whomever you named as successor trustee will take over the administration portion of our trust and distribute your assets in the manner you specified.

Please see the following previous posts for additional information regarding trustees:


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Posted in Assets

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How Does Setting Up a Trust Avoid Probate?

Posted on April 16, 2012 | 2 comments

If you do not have a trust there will undoubtedly be a probate proceeding upon your death.  Probate is a court supervised proceeding necessary to transfer your assets to your heirs.  The probate proceeding is costly in terms of both time and money.  Furthermore, all probate proceedings are public record.

Having a trust in place insures a less costly and smoother transition of assets to their designated heirs.

For more information about setting up a trust, please contact our trust attorney in Woodland Hills.

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Posted in Probate, Trusts

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What is a Living Trust?

Posted on March 12, 2012 | 2 comments

A revocable living trust is a legal document that designates what you own and who you want it to go to and when. Because this document is revocable, it may be modified during your lifetime.

The revocable living trust avoids the need for probate and/or conservatorship proceedings. Additionally, it can allow you to reduce or even eliminate taxes.

Most importantly, the revocable living trust allows you to see your compete financial picture which may help you better prepare for the future.

For additional questions about setting up a living trust, please contact our Trust Attorney in Los Angeles today.

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Posted in Living Trust

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