Buchanan Law Group - August 2024

Protecting Pets Companion Animals’ Well-being Is Important in Illinois

Depending on which state you live in, the law may treat your pet more like a member of the family than a piece of property. If you have pets that are legally characterized as companion animals, then the court will determine sole or joint ownership of those companion animals in the event of a

divorce. However, Illinois is one of the only states in the country to consider a pet’s well-being when determining its ownership in the event of a divorce. In other words, Illinois has the pet’s best interests at heart. PETITIONING FOR SOLE OWNERSHIP If you are worried your spouse will abuse or neglect your pet(s) during your divorce, you can take a few measures to protect the animal. 750 ILCS 5/501 says that if you are going through a divorce in Illinois, either party may petition the court for temporary sole possession of that companion animal owned by both parties. If you can prove the animal’s well-being would be in danger if the other party owned it, the court may grant your request. DETERMINING OWNERSHIP According to 750 ILCS 5/503, “[T]he court shall take into consideration the well-being of the companion animal” when considering whether to allocate sole or joint ownership of it to the parties involved in a divorce. A notable exception to this rule is service animals. If one of the parties in the divorce requires a service animal, the court will not allocate ownership; the relevant party will retain ownership. Another exception is if the parties have a written agreement that allocates the ownership and responsibility of the companion animal beforehand. This law provides for better, more humane treatment of companion animals in these situations, an important consideration for anyone with pets going through a divorce.

TAKE A BREAK

Lime Chicken With Corn and Poblano Salad

Ingredients: Chicken • 3 tbsp olive oil

Corn and poblano salad • 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper • 1 1/2 tsp salt • 3/4 tsp black pepper • Zest of 1 lime • 8 chicken thighs

• 2 poblano peppers, diced • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 14-oz can of corn • 4 scallions, minced • Juice of 2 limes • 1/3 cup chopped cilantro • Salt and pepper

Directions: 1.

Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. In a large oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. 3. In a bowl, whisk flour, spices, and lime zest. Dredge chicken in the mix to coat. 4. Add chicken, skin-side down, to skillet, then place skillet in the oven for 30–35 minutes. 5. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil and add poblanos. Sauté 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute. 6. In a bowl, add poblano mix, corn, scallions, lime juice, and cilantro, toss and serve with the chicken.

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