(800) 285-2659 Contact Susan
gray cat in a sunny blooming garden

While I assist everybody with estate plans, because I am an elder law attorney, my practice naturally attracts older adults. When I meet with my clients, we talk at length about obvious issues such as the importance of naming the right person to assist them if they become incapacitated. Which by the way, is something that everyone over the age of 18 must consider. We also discuss, how to avoid probate and how to ensure that their children will not have to endure that process in order to inherit from them. With young families, we discuss who will care for their children (a guardian) if they should prematurely die.

For those of you who own pets, where these precious creatures end up can be quite stressful. As a result, I have researched this issue on their collective behalf’s and would like to share what I have found. Of course, all of this presupposes that you put a provision in a trust that guides the trustee on what to do and where to place Fido and how if at all, the person or entity to whom you entrust him is compensated for Veterinarian bills, food and medicine. Without such a provision, my research below will be of no consequence. A stand alone simple will is not the answer because your pets will be considered personal property and will be lost in a system or to the whim of an uncaring family member unless and until there is an order regarding their care. By then, the pet may be lost or destroyed in a pound.

You could choose someone who has taken care of your pet before – perhaps when you went on holiday – or simply a friend or relative who loves your pet and meets all the criteria in your list. Once you’ve chosen someone, make sure to ask them if they’re actually willing to take your pet on if something were to happen to you. What happens to pets when their owners die can’t just be decided by a will: you still need the co-operation of the people involved.

If you don’t have a friend or relative who can take your pet on, there are charities that specialize in pet care after an owner’s death:

  • Battersea’s Forever Loved Service: The team at Battersea will give dogs and cats veterinary care at the shelter, looking after them there until they find a safe and happy home.
  • The RSPCA’s Home for Life Scheme: The RSPCA take on exotic pets as well as dogs and cats. Pets are looked after in shelters or foster homes around the country until they can be properly rehomed.
  • The Cinnamon Trust: The Cinnamon Trust takes in pets while their owners are in hospital or in care, keeping them in volunteer foster homes around the country. You can also arrange to have your pet permanently fostered with them in the event of your death.
  • Cats Protection’s Cat Guardians: Pre-register with Cats Protection to get an Emergency Cat Care Card to carry in your wallet. This lets emergency service workers know who to contact to make sure that your cat can be brought into their care and eventually adopted.
  • Dogs Trust: Dogs Trust offer a similar service for dogs. Pre-register to get a Canine Care Card for your wallet, and they will arrange care for your dog until a happy home can be found.
  • The Blue Cross Pets into Care Scheme: The Blue Cross will care for and rehome a wide range of pets, including horses.

Whatever you chose to do, please do something. Animals are precious and area source of unconditional love and humor. They deserve to have a seamless transition from the loss of their beloved person.

Posted on behalf of Susan B. Geffen

2447 Pacific Coast Hwy #234
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Phone: (800) 285-2659
Email:

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Susan Geffen saved my life! An elderly relative was the victim of lottery fraud and was acting as the neighborhood ATM, in total over $200,000. Her legal expertise, compassion, and expertise in geriatrics guided the family through a successful process of care management and understanding. At all times the victim and the family trusted Susan and received compassionate support. Her referrals to other professionals were stellar and her reputation among her peers is impeccable. I recommend her without qualification.

Irene Z., Newport Beach

I could have searched the country and not have found a more capable and qualified person.

Debbie K., Moreno Valley, CA

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Our Clients Reviews

Susan Geffen saved my life! An elderly relative was the victim of lottery fraud and was acting as the neighborhood ATM, in total over $200,000. Her legal expertise, compassion, and expertise in geriatrics guided the family through a successful process of care management and understanding. At all times the victim and the family trusted Susan and received compassionate support. Her referrals to other professionals were stellar and her reputation among her peers is impeccable. I recommend her without qualification.
Irene Z., Newport Beach
After moving my 88 year old mom from Chicago to California, I was looking for a competent attorney to review and make some minor changes to her living trust. Susan B. Geffen has a wonderful “desk side” manner with her elderly clients and even helped my mom recover $3,000 that her prior attorney in Chicago refused to release from escrow of the sale of her home 2 years ago. I would highly recommend Susan B Geffen’s services to anyone dealing with elderly parents.
D’Marie C., Hermosa Beach, CA
My parents and I retained Susan Geffen’s legal services to navigate through the Medi-Cal process and to preserve my parent’s assets. The process was long and hard, but Susan hung in there with us, even when my parents seemed reluctant and indecisive. Susan showed her professionalism and concern for the elderly by continuing to provide legal services and guidance without payment during a period between the two phases of our journey. I would recommend Susan to anyone in need of legal services relating to the elderly and elder care.
Rick Y., Torrance, CA
When my wife of 53 years suddenly became terminally ill, I asked Susan B. Geffen to provide assistance with new wills and trust documents on short notice. She worked diligently and completed the requisite documents in record time. She also provided in-valuable advice concerning bequests and gathering information for estate tax filings.
Steve K., Rancho Palos Verdes
I highly recommend her for estate planning and elder law questions.
Mike A., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
I could have searched the country and not have found a more capable and qualified person.
Debbie K., Moreno Valley, CA