What Happens To The Family Dog After A Divorce?

To a divorce lawyer who is also an animal lover, the question of canine custody can stir up emotions and even be heartbreaking. This question also has some intriguing answers.

In a Divorce, Who Gets To Keep The Dog?

Dogs are considered personal property in the eyes of the law, as heartless as that might seem to any pet parent. Nevertheless, when making your list of assets in a divorce settlement, you need to assign a monetary value to your dog. This “price” is not based on emotional attachment or significance but entirely on measurable factors like breed, health, age, and abilities. Essentially, what would be your asking price if you were to sell your pet, or what would you expect another dog lover to pay?

A divorce lawyer can help establish joint or shared custody of one or more dogs and assist in negotiating visitation rights. The divorce decree can include the schedule for shared time if that is part of the agreement. However, unlike many child custody arrangements, the spouse getting primary custody of the dog will likely take on the expenses.

Custody Of Dogs After Divorce

As for which party takes primary custody, there are several factors that a court takes into consideration:

• Did the dog belong to one of the partners before they were married?
• If there are children, will one parent be assigned primary custody?
• Who can best afford to take care of the dog(s)?

Negotiating custody of a beloved pet can be a sensitive issue, but a compassionate divorce attorney at Donnellon, Donnellon & Miller can help you through this process. If you would like to speak with us in person or over the phone, please call us at 513-891-7087. Our divorce lawyers have dealt with situations similar to yours. They can offer advice and help protect your rights as a dog owner.