In-Person CLE – CLE at Animal Friends

This program will examine the evolving legal treatment of pets in estate planning, family law, and other animal-related legal matters.

The program will begin with an exploration of pets in estate planning. For many clients, pets are valued members of the family, making it essential that these beloved companions are properly provided for in their estate planning documents. Attendees will learn about pet trusts, designated caregivers, care instructions, and other planning tools that can be incorporated into an estate plan to ensure a client's pet is cared for and its needs are met without interruption in the event of an unexpected circumstance.

The program will also explore how pets are treated in both custody and divorce matters, including the new provisions added to the PFA statute regarding companion animals and the standard for seeking such relief. Summaries of relevant case law will be provided as well as practice points for drafting and negotiations.

A discussion of the legal distinctions and rights attributed to service assistance dogs, trained therapy animals and emotional support animals under certain federal and state laws will also be discussed.

The program will conclude with an overview of current legislative initiatives regarding animal welfare and animal cruelty laws.

A networking reception will follow the program – including the opportunity to mingle with pets – courtesy of Fragasso Financial Advisors.

Please note that the ACBA cannot accept, process or facilitate financial donations or promote fundraisers for Animal Friends or any third-party organization.

Speakers:

• Samantha J. Gagliardo
  Dentons Cohen & Grigsby PC
• Robert Fragasso
  Fragasso Financial Advisors
• Megan DelVecchio
  Pollock Begg
• Alexandra Kovalchick
  Pollock Begg
• Sam Braver
  Attorney at Law
• Kathleen Beaver
  Animal Friends

*This program is only being offered live in-person at Animal Friends.

*This program has been approved for 2 hours of Substantive CLE credit and also qualifies for 2.4 hours of credit under the West Virginia Rules for Mandatory Continuing Legal Education.

Last day to Pre-register: Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, 11:59 p.m.

Register by mail: Print and return the hard copy registration form available here.

*Please note: The Pa. CLE Board can take up to 45 days to post credits.

CLE and Events Registration Policy: Members and Non-members can register for ACBA programs online or by paper mail-in registration, up to two days prior to a program start date. Seating is limited, so pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits. To secure your spot, payment must be made in advance due to limited registration capacity. You can do so online via credit card or by mailing in a check. If this ACBA CLE cannot be held in-person, it will be converted into a webinar and held on the same date and time. You will be notified via email if that change is made.

Printed materials are available for an additional fee upon request.

Interested in this program but have a conflict and can’t attend? The vast majority of our webinar CLEs programs are recorded and available for CLE credit online within 72 hours. Click here to see all available ACBA online CLEs.