If you own a pet, you understand that they are as much a part of the family as you or your spouse or your children. In fact, to many spouses, pets are the de facto children in the marriage. This can make divorces especially difficult when it comes time to decide who should keep the pet in a divorce.
Generally speaking, the court tends to view pets as property, which can make resolving this issue quite frustrating. While we pet owners understand that our pets are anything but property, the law generally does not hold this view.
While it is possible to pursue some form of custody agreement surrounding your pet, it depends on the court hearing your divorce as to whether this will actually be allowed. Some courts have begun to work with couples to create pet custody agreements, while others simply refuse to cross this legal barrier.
If you worry that your divorce may take your pet from you, it is wise to consult with an attorney. Each divorce is different, and an experienced divorce attorney can help you create a strong strategy to protect your rights while you seek to keep or share the pet you love.
Proper legal guidance is important in many different kinds of property division disputes. You may have more options than you realize are available, and proper legal counsel can help you explore all of them. An attorney fights to make sure that your priorities remain in focus throughout the divorce process and shelters your rights so you can focus on what matters — fairly resolving your divorce and building a new life with your furry friend.
Source: Findlaw, “Who Gets Custody of the Dog After Divorce?,” accessed Sep. 22, 2017