Pet Trusts & Care Planning Attorney in Western North Carolina and North Georgia

Because They’re Family, Too

Your pets are more than animals—they’re companions, protectors, and beloved members of your family. But what happens to them if you're unable to provide care due to illness, incapacity, or passing away?


At Blue Ridge Legacy Law, we help clients across Western North Carolina and North Georgia Regions create legally sound plans that ensure their pets are loved, protected, and provided for—no matter what the future brings.


Planning is available through both in-person (by appointment) and virtual meetings for your convenience.

Schedule Your Free 15‑Minute Consultation

How We Help You Plan for Your Pet’s Future

Whether you’re planning ahead or responding to a change in health or travel needs, we help clients in Highlands, Cashiers, and throughout Western North Carolina and North Georgia create pet care plans they can trust.

Pet Trust Creation

Establish a legally enforceable trust that names a caregiver and allocates funds for ongoing care.

Detailed Care Instructions

We help you document feeding schedules, routines, medications, and preferences to ensure your pet’s life stays consistent and comforting.

Funding Strategies

Include specific allocations in your estate to cover veterinary care, food, grooming, and any special needs.

Backup Caregiver Designation

We help you name alternate caretakers to avoid confusion or delays in care if your primary person can’t serve.

Incapacity Planning

We include your pet’s care in your incapacity documents so they’re protected during emergencies or hospitalization.

Ongoing Plan Updates

As your pet family evolves, we offer optional reviews to keep your plan up to date with your life.

Our Process – Thoughtful Planning for Pet Owners

Step 1

Free Introductory Call

We begin with a brief consultation to understand your goals and share how pet trust planning works in North Carolina.

Step 2

In-Depth Planning Session (First 45 Minutes Free)

You’ll meet one-on-one with Attorney Julie Upshaw to outline your pet’s care plan and assign trusted caregivers.

Step 3

Legally Sound Pet Care Plan

We finalize your documents and integrate your pet trust into your broader estate plan—ensuring complete protection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What kinds of pets can be included in a pet trust?

    Any domestic animal—including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and more—can be protected under a valid pet trust in North Carolina.

  • Will I meet directly with the attorney?

    Yes. You’ll work directly with Julie Upshaw, your estate planning attorney in Highlands and Franklin, NC.


    You can meet with her in person at her Highlands office, at her meeting space in Cashiers, or virtually—never through call centers or third parties.

  • Do you serve all of Western North Carolina?

    Yes. We serve clients throughout Highlands, Cashiers, Franklin, and nearby rural communities in the Blue Ridge region.

  • Can I include pet planning in my existing estate plan?

    Definitely. We’ll ensure your pet trust fits seamlessly into your current will, trust, and power of attorney documents.

  • What if I adopt a new pet later?

    We offer optional three-year reviews so your plan evolves with your pet family—no matter how many paws, feathers, or scales are involved.

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plan@brlegacylaw.com

Show Them Love That Lasts a Lifetime

Your pets depend on you—today and tomorrow.

We’ll help you create a legal plan that gives them the care they deserve—even when you’re no longer there to provide it.