In many households, the dog or cat has become an important member of the family. So it is not surprising that battles over Fluffy and Fido are becoming more common in divorce court. However, legally, pets are still viewed as property and options for dealing with pet custody in a divorce are very limited. The courts will not make a decision based upon “the best interests” of the pet.
If you find yourself in the middle of a pet custody battle, consider some practical tips:
- Have a frank discussion with your attorney about the situation and reasonable expectations
- Try to amicably resolve the situation by talking to your soon-to-be ex or mediating the issue
- If you have children who are attached to the pet, consider an arrangement for the pets to go where the kids go
