Who Gets Custody of the Family Pet?

When a couple is on the verge of divorce, who gets custody of the family pet can be a very emotional and difficult situation. Coming to terms with losing your four-legged friend, confidant, and “child” to your once significant other can be a hard pill to swallow.  To assist you in handling this dilemma, consider the following points:

• Although you see Fido as your child, the court will only see your furry friend as another possession to be divided as property in the divorce decree.
• If the animal was yours prior to the marriage and you were the primary caretaker of the animal during the marriage, you have a greater chance of being awarded possession.
• Don’t be afraid to let your lawyer know how important Ms. Kitty is to you and make sure he/she treats this priority like the cat’s meow.
• Try to avoid separating pets because this could cause anxiety or depression for the animals.
• Overall, show the court that you are the best person to care for the pet. This can be done by emphasizing that you have ample space in your home, you are able to play with it, and provide the best environment for your pet.

By following these suggested tips, you may be able to convince the court to leave your beloved friend within your care.