Are pets considered marital property?
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Are pets considered marital property?
Under the law, pets are considered to be personal property, capable of human ownership and control. Normally, before a court decides who gets what property in a divorce, it must first consider whether its jurisdiction is a community property (split 50/50) or an equitable distribution (split fairly) state.
Do dogs understand divorce?
Dogs view their owners as family, much as we do. In a divorce, they’ve essentially lost a parent. And if you have more than one dog, they potentially lose a brother or sister, too. These feelings can result in separation anxiety and depression.
What determines pet ownership?
In determining proof of ownership, a judge will consider the following: Registration and license: The most likely document to be recognized by the court is the initial registration required for the majority of household pets. Veterinary records: The court may also consider veterinary medical records.
Can I sue for custody of dog?
Increasingly, judges have also awarded joint custody of pets. If you and your ex are fighting over a shared pet during a breakup, but not a divorce, the matter becomes more complicated. In this case, you would have to sue your ex for the pet under a property-recovery legal theory, such as replevin.
