When Pets Are Property
bruce law pets
Jack and Henry
Divorce and Your Furry Family Members
Most people think of pets as family members, so determining what to do with them during a divorce can be an emotionally difficult process. But while deciding who gets to keep the dog or cat might be agonizing, Florida law considers pets property. So, the courts will treat “custody” of your pet similar to how they’d handle the ownership of a refrigerator. Florida briefly tried time-sharing for pets in the 1990s, but a higher court abandoned the idea due to a backlog of more essential child custody cases. A small percentage of divorcing couples arrange their own time-sharing agreements, but they often lead to problems, and we don’t recommend them. That means only one household can keep the pet. Sometimes, the decision is simple. One spouse may be uninterested and happily part with the family pet. But unfortunately, disagreements can quickly escalate. Some spouses also use the family animal as leverage to receive more of the couple’s assets. Many people feel compelled to take the matter to court, but a judge is unlikely to heed your emotional plea. As property, pets are subject to the equitable distribution process. With numerous items likely in dispute, judges do not linger on your animal assets — instead, they often make quick decisions about these matters. Most property divisions in divorce cases revolve around value, but most pets aren’t worth much on the open market. So, courts consider other practical matters, like who has cared for the pet and who can care for it in the future. That said, there is no “best interest of the pet” standard like there is with children. Due to the unpredictable nature of the court’s decision on pets, those who feel very strongly about keeping theirs are generally best served by resolving the issue in mediation. Some choose to trade sufficient financial assets to retain ownership of a beloved pet. An attorney can provide guidance in this matter, but how much emotional value a pet holds is ultimately up to each individual. Your pet’s fate is only one of many complicated matters that can arise during a divorce, but the experienced attorneys at the Bruce Law Firm are here to guide you through everything. Call us if you have questions or concerns about what might happen to your beloved animal family member(s). We’ll fight hard for your desired outcome.
Cupcake Bruce
Liana and Dexter
Diana and Salem
Ashley and furbabies
Is your friend or client married to a controlling, manipulative, narcissistic husband?
Eduardo and Tana
OUR BOOKS CAN HELP!
The book can be downloaded for FREE at DivorceInformationBooks.com.
2 • BrucePA.com
–Ashley and Chris Bruce
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator