Pet Custody

Divorces can be neat and tidy in some cases. You and your spouse may decide to split amicably, you have no children, and dividing assets and property may be a simple task. While possible, this scenario is highly unlikely because there are usually certain things that spouses fight over, whether they are costly items or things of sentimental value. Even if the couple does not have children, one of the top divorce attorneys see are couples who fight over custody rights of their pets, whether they are cats, dogs, birds, or something else.

Pets are beloved members of the family and can make it difficult when getting a divorce. If you would like custody of the family pet when you and your spouse are choosing to get a divorce, call a skilled divorce attorney to see how he or she can help. They will understand that this is a trying ordeal and having your furry best friend by your side can help.

Why do couples argue over pets? 

There was a time when most couples might argue over custody of a pet if that pet brought great value to their lives. This could mean the animal itself had greater value (like a horse), or that it was a show animal. However, more and more couples are arguing over their pets because the pet is more than that — they’re part of the family. Because of this evolution regarding the purpose of keeping a pet, many people find that the laws regarding pets and divorce are not the same in every state and that many couples who choose not to have children together often have pets to care for and love instead.

How do you decide on pet custody?

Family attorneys understand that you want to ensure your pet gets the best care before, during, and after the divorce process. It is important to discuss this early on in your relationship with your attorney so that you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse can begin making choices and arguments regarding custody. There are many decisions that go into who will take care of the pet, including:

• If the pet should be bred
• Who takes care of the pet’s medical fees
• If the pet should be neutered or spayed
• What kind of training or discipline classes the pet gets
• If one owner gets joint or sole custody of the pet
• How, if, and when the pet will be euthanized

There are many important factors that go into determining who will get custody or if only one spouse would get custody of the pet.

If you and your spouse are going through a divorce, it can feel like having a pet is like having a child. You want what is best for them and you want to know that they are well-loved and cared for. To see how a family lawyer can help you with pet custody issues during your divorce, please contact an attorney soon.