Plan For Your Loved Ones

Animals can't look out for themselves. It's up to us to stand up for them and be their voice, even long after we're gone.

Close-up of a cat resting in a woven basket

Ensuring that our pets receive continuous care and comfort if we can no longer look after them is vital. One effective way to prepare for such a situation is including a pet trust in your estate plan. Speak with our animal-loving attorneys to discuss how to protect your beloved companions, and how you can save in the long run.

How to start a pet trust?

  • Consider your pet's age, anticipated lifespan, and daily routine when deciding the appropriate amount of money for the trust. You can choose to add funds gradually over time, so you don't need to have the full amount upfront.

  • Think about the terms of the trust. Create a document that details your pet's needs, including diet, exercise requirements, health records, and medical care instructions.

  • Consider your choice for both the trustee and caregiver for your pet, and determine whether you want the same person to fulfill both roles. Make sure to have an open conversation with them about your intentions and ensure they are willing to take on the responsibility.

  • We know it’s hard, but it has to be done. A pet trust should also include the plans for when your pet reaches the end of their life. When your beloved companion's time comes, do you wish for them to be buried, or would you prefer cremation? Furthermore, how would you like any remaining funds to be used?

Here are some tips to begin with.

A smiling woman and a man sitting next to a greyhound dog with a surprised expression.

“What will happen to my pet if something happened to me?”

If you haven't set up any plans for your pets, the fate of them will be in the hands of your closest relatives or a court-appointed individual. It's unwise to presume that someone will automatically assume responsibility for your pets upon your passing - only approximately 25% of pets find new homes with family or friends. Your beloved animal companion may end up in a shelter or, even worse, abandoned.

Approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. (ASPCA)

6.3 million

920,000

Each year, approximately 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized. (ASPCA)

They don’t have to, if you planned for them well.

A pet trust is a legally enforceable arrangement that offers pet owners peace of mind, ensuring that their wishes for the care of their beloved animals are upheld.

A trust can be very specific. For instance, if your cat has a specific preference for a particular brand of food or your dog loves daily trips to the park, you can outline these specifics in the trust agreement. A trust that becomes active while the pet owner is still alive can include instructions for the pet's care in case the owner becomes unable to do so due to illness, injury, or other circumstances.

Two happy dogs, one cream-colored and one black, sitting on a patterned rug with their tongues out.
Cat touching woman's face lovingly.

For everyone, for every PAW.

A plan for your pets is not only for the rich class. In fact, everyone with a pet should plan for the future. Animals cannot fend for themselves, and it's our duty to look out for them, even after our passing.

At Yu & Yu Law, most cases can be done at a flat rate basis with no hidden fees or costs. Speak with our attorneys to learn how to protect your family and your beloved animals, and how you can save in the long run.

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Why Us?

We just love animals. At our core, we understand that pets are more than just companions; they are cherished members of the family. With a deep commitment to ensuring their well-being, even when you can't be there, we are your dedicated partner in providing for your beloved animals' futures.

As a team of estate planning experts, we understand the struggles you go through when dealing with such matters. Forbes reported 3 of the biggest complaints against lawyers are Incompetence, Poor Communication, and Surprise Fees. We took care of them so you won’t have to worry at all.

  • Simply means we are GOOD at what we do. Read more about us here.

  • We understand what our clients want -- reliable and constant communication, and a licensed attorney who works on your case. This simple principle is what sets us apart from most other law firms where you will most times find yourself speaking to a paralegal, secretary, or intern.

    We do things differently. Our licensed attorneys communicate directly with our clients and discuss their legal issues as much as the client needs to be fully informed from the very beginning of the case, during its duration, and through to its conclusion.

  • Most cases can be done at a flat rate basis with no hidden fees or costs, plus a free consultation with a licensed attorney.

Our experts will help you, purrsonally.

We custom tailor every case for every paw.

Jay-Yu-Estate-Planning-Attorney
  • ATTORNEY AT LAW | FOUNDER

    Jay is the founding and managing partner of Yu & Yu Law, focusing on all aspects of estate planning law including wills, trusts, healthcare directives, power of attorney, guardianships, conservatorships, and certain probate matters.

    Jay’s clients range from homeless indigent clients to generational multi-millionaire families. By applying his knowledge and experience gained from working in law firms from age 17, Jay is able to effectively and confidently help his clients protect and grow their wealth.

    Jay has helped clients with family and assets across 30 different countries, including the UK, Korea, Thailand, India, Brazil, Japan, China, Czech Republic, Italy, France, Iran, Pakistan, Algeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, and dozens of others.

    Jay can help advise on and implement CRATs, CRUTs, GRATs, QPRTs, ILITs, RLTs, and any other complex irrevocable trusts that may be suitable for specific clients.

    • Professor of Estate Planning at California State University

    • Cum Laude

    • Top 40 Under 40 (Riverside County / Corona)

    • Annual recognition on AVVO.com, Lawyers.com, Expertise.com, etc.

    • Multiple publications in local journals and newsletters

    Talk with Jay >>

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  • FELINE AT HOME | CHIEF MEOW OFFICER

    Angie is the extraordinary feline who defied expectations to become the CMO, Chief Meow Officer, of Yu & Yu Law. Starting as the office table kitten, Angie's exceptional abilities soon shone through, with her sharp instincts, keen sense of efficiency, and an unparalleled knack for creating a harmonious work environment.

    Her influence and morale-boosting capabilities were well recognized among family, friends, and our clients. Under Angie's guidance, we experienced a positive cultural shift. Stress levels reduced as employees found solace in her supervision, and her team-building skills made her not just a beloved mascot, but a true leader.

    In a world where C-Suites often wear suits and ties, Angie showed that sometimes, all you need is a well-groomed fur coat and a heart full of purrs.

Start to plan for your loved ones

Make an appointment with our attorneys to discuss your estate plan including the protection for your pets.

Or, email, call, text, anytime: contact@yuandyulaw.com | (213) 835-0300