Divorce and Pets

Over 115 million homes in the United States own at least one pet. For many families, pets are much more than just an animal – they are part of the family. Because of how close many families get to their pets, deciding on pet ownership in the event of a divorce can be a very trying time. Unfortunately, divorce courts do not treat pets as pieces of the family the way children are.

In court, pets are treated like any other piece of property that is subject to the property division process. Deciding who keeps the family pet or pets can be a very stressful decision that both spouses may feel very strongly about. If you are going through a divorce, remember you don’t have to face it alone. Contact an experienced divorce lawyer today.

Who Gets Custody of Pets?

If keeping the family pet is extremely important to you, make sure you disclose this information to your legal representative beforehand so he or she can focus on helping you with custody issues. Along with considering the overall happiness and safety of the pet, a judge may also consider:

• Which spouse has taken care of the pet the most?
• Who originally purchased the pet and brought him or her home?
• Who gets custody of the children and family home? In many cases, judges keep pets and children together.

If keeping the family pet is important to you, contact a divorce lawyer today. An attorney’s assistance can be invaluable in getting what you want out of your divorce.