IT’S CHEAPER TO ADOPT Adoption prices include the upfront expenses, such as spaying, neutering, and vaccinations, that you wouldn’t get from a breeder or pet store. Some shelters even include the cost of microchipping in their fee. If you adopt from a shelter, you’re ensured a healthy, happy dog. With some shelter dogs, you may also save on housebreaking and training costs. LOTS OF CHOICES Is there a specific breed you’re looking for? Chances are you will find it at the shelter. Shelter dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. Some organizations rescue specific breeds, and with a little research, you may find one near you. Even if you don’t find the breed you’re looking for, you may find an indispensable companion in a breed you weren’t looking for — and you never would have found them if you didn’t check the shelters. GREAT FOR YOUR KIDS Having a dog can be great for your kids, and getting it from a shelter can be even better for them. Dogs encourage kids to play outside and be more active, and kids gain a friend who loves them unconditionally. Plus, if you adopt, the act of giving an unwanted animal a new home can teach your kids empathy. If you still haven’t checked your local shelter for the newest member of your family, what are you waiting for? Find a furry friend you and your kids will love today!
WHERE SHOULD I GET A DOG? 3 Reasons to Adopt From Your Local Shelter
So, you’ve decided to get a dog. Maybe you think your kids could use a new playmate, or maybe you and your spouse want someone to join you on morning walks. Whatever the reason, the next question is where to get them. Instead of paying exorbitant amounts of money to a breeder for a purebred puppy, why not check the local shelter or humane society? October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and, if you’re looking to get a dog, here are a few reasons to check the shelters first.
Handling Joint Accounts in Divorce
Keep Records To make sure you don’t get accused of using too much of the
Joint accounts can be tricky. When you’re relying on your joint account to pay necessary living expenses and your spouse turns around and empties it, it can be downright terrifying. You Have a Legal Right to Funds in a Joint Account This is true even if your spouse was the breadwinner and if you never directly made a deposit in your life. This doesn’t mean the money goes to whoever withdraws every last cent first. It means that because you and your spouse each have a legal right to the money, there are consequences when one spouse decides to ignore the rights of the other. A judge can order the offending spouse to pay the aggrieved spouse’s legal fees or return the money. They may also give the aggrieved spouse a greater share of the marital property to make up for it. Get Lawyers Involved Early With the help of your lawyer, you can usually get a temporary protective order that bars both parties from touching the account, save for approved reasons. “Approved reasons” usually covers things like household expenses, so you don’t have to worry that you won’t be able to use the money to pay the power bill. Banks won’t honor these orders, but they should make your spouse think twice before attempting to empty a joint account. Violating a court order has severe consequences.
account, you should keep a record of every transaction. Make sure you’re only spending on necessities, and keep receipts so you can meet any challenge that arises.
Get Separate Funds The quicker you can stop relying on the joint bank account, the better. Open your own accounts as soon as you know you’re getting a divorce, even if you don’t have very much income to deposit inside of them. Use a different bank or credit union, as well. Eventually, the joint account will have to close. And the surest way to protect yourself is to have some money on hand that your ex can’t touch. Keep in mind that having separate accounts doesn’t necessarily keep the judge from allocating marital assets in those accounts to your spouse, but anything you earn or receive after the divorce gets filed should be safe.
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