In California, especially in Los Angeles, as practically everywhere else in the country, people are very concerned for their pets welfare. I am frequently drafting provisions for the care of pets after the death of their human caretaker.

Frequently the most difficult step is finding a caretaker. Obviously, you want someone who is able and who would happily undertake the responsibility of caring for your pet(s). Friends and relatives may like your pets, but that does not necessarily mean that they are ready to be their fulltime caretakers.

In the event that you do not have someone that would be suitable, there are organizations throughout Los Angeles that will undertake the responsibility. More than likely there will be a fee involved and you should investigate what it will cost to provide for your pet for the remainder of its life.

As with humans, you will want to provide your pet’s caretaker with complete information. For example are there registration papers? Can you provide a description of your pet? Markings? DNA identification? What about its medical history? Medical conditions? Diet? Exercise? Does your pet get along with certain types of people? Does your pet dislike certain types of people or animals?

Adding provisions for your pet’s care after you are gone is not that difficult for an experienced estate planning attorney/lawyer especially one that prepares a fair amount of living trusts. For more information on California pet trusts, contact a Los Angeles estate planning attorney and/or a lawyer who prepares many living trusts and wills.

When was the last time you had your California estate plan (living trust, will, power of attorney, health care directive, HIPAA and other documents) reviewed by an experienced California estate planning attorney? How do you know that the documents comport with your current wishes and that upon your death your wishes will be carried out?

When I give seminars, teach, or meet with clients, I frequently explain that doing an estate plan in California, is similar to going to the dentist to have your teeth cleaned. Dentists recommend that we get our teeth cleaned a couple of times a year.

What happens to those that do not go to the dentist for their cleanings? Well for some people, nothing. But for many people, it leads to tooth decay which can be painful and a byproduct is large dental bills.

The same thing is true with estate planning. Unfortunately most people do not directly feel the pain because the pain from an incorrectly executed estate plan occurs after you have died. It is your loved ones and intended beneficiaries who suffer when you choose not to have a check-up.

Moreover, your assets may have changed. It might be their value or the way they are comprised.

The law may have changed. While the law in California has not changed that much over the years for the vast majority of people, federal law has changed. It becomes significant because many people’s estates have appreciated due to the increase in California property values.

There also have been changes in health care privacy laws that people should be aware of and should make sure that their documents reflect.

Additionally, for many people there are changes in family circumstances occasioned by deaths, births, marriages and divorce. This can have significant impact on your California estate planning. Even those people who you originally thought you would want to make health care decisions for you may have changed.

Finally, your goals and desires may have changed. That too can affect your estate planning.

In the event that you wish to have a “check-up” on your California estate planning documents by a licensed California estate planning attorney, please give me a call. I have prepared literally thousands of California living trusts.