Familias multiespecie: ¿Una nueva realidad?
Pets and Divorce
Pennsylvania law, as currently written, does not have any special provisions for pets when their owners get divorced. Even though many individuals consider pets as children, Pennsylvania courts do not. ...more
Much to the despair of animal lovers all throughout Pennsylvania, during the divorce and equitable distribution process, pets that were acquired during the marriage are considered personal property and are treated no...more
It’s no secret that, for many, pets are viewed as members of the family. When you consider the day-to-day relationship between pet and owner, this reality makes complete and total sense. To be sure, just as human family...more
The province of British Columbia (B.C.) and the State of New York are leading the way in the field of pet custody and could be just the nudge needed to signal others to catch up. In the United States, pets are generally...more
From time to time, we have written regarding pet custody, though there is very little case law on the issue. Historically, pets were treated as chattel (property) and courts did not enter custody and visitation orders for...more
As more and more couples are disputing pet custody issues when divorcing or separating, there is increasing concern in the legal community about how to fairly adjudicate these disputes, without unnecessarily burdening the...more
I am not sure why, but I have noticed a recent uptick in questions dealing with what I will call “pet custody.” Usually, I hear the caller or emailer out and then offer that it is almost always more cost effective — meaning...more
We have all heard the popular saying: “This is not your grandmother’s...[fill in the blank].” This saying is meant to convey that the traditional thoughts of yesterday are emerging and transforming into new ideas....more
Sometimes divorce means saying goodbye to more than just your spouse. In the State of Washington, dogs, cats, and other household animals are considered personal property. Accordingly, when it comes to pets, as part of the...more
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, pet populations, particularly dogs and cats, are on the rise and expected to continue to increase through at least 2030. Many people have welcomed a new pet to the...more
I grew up in a family where pets were always present. My dad was known to just randomly show up at home with a new puppy. At one point in my childhood, I think there were two dogs, two cats, two hamsters and a few fish living...more
Under the current law, a pet is divided the same as your coffee table. The dog or cat is awarded to one spouse; the value of the pet is the value the pet would sell for at a yard sale....more
I was recently a panelist at the 2019 annual meeting of the New Jersey State Bar Association discussing legal issues about how to share pets after divorce. As pets become increasingly important in many households in the...more
As a mother of a three (3) year old, I spend a fair amount of time (more than I’d like to admit) immersed in animated television programs. I am struck by how many of these programs revolve around pets. From Chase from “Paw...more
It’s Christmas morning and your six-year-old daughter discovers that – because she has been a good girl this year – Santa has brought her a puppy, and she could not be more excited to have a new addition to the family!...more
A new law in California which goes into effect on January 1, 2019 gives Courts the right to determine custody and care of a pet both pending a divorce and as part of a final determination. ...more
There is no question that pets can be – and often are – beloved members of the family. Much as we love them, it probably doesn’t surprise anyone to know that in many jurisdictions pets are considered personal property in a...more
Divorce proceedings can already be contentious. It can difficult for many parties who are divorcing to reach a comprehensive agreement on all the issues in their case. But now pet custody might add another twist to Illinois...more
Our dogs and cats are part of our family, right? They do not just represent property to be divided, right? Actually, in North Carolina, pets are considered property and as such our courts will divide your pets in the same...more
It is estimated that 70-80 million dogs and 74-96 million cats are owned in the United States. That equates to approximately 37-47% of all households in the United States own a dog, while approximately 30-37% of all...more
Hi there, If you know me, you know I’m a fervent pet lover. We have dogs, cats, horses, goats, and are related to someone with a bearded dragon. I know, viscerally, how pets can feel like family members. As a result,...more
What will happen to my pet during a divorce? Can I get pet visitation after a divorce?...more
Divorce takes an emotional toll on all families. For over 60% of the households in the United States, that also includes their pets. While all courts are required to address custody matters involving children, most states are...more