Anyone with a four-legged family member can tell you that having a pet is a life-changing experience. Your furry pal is with you through thick and thin, is happy to see you at the end of the day and understands when you’re going through something you don’t want to talk about. But what happens when both you and your spouse feel that way about the family pet—and only one of you gets to keep it? What if your ex doesn’t even bother to ask if he or she can keep your beloved companion, snatching it away before you have a chance to object?
You, Your Pets and Your Raleigh Divorce Lawyer
If you’ve discussed your pet with your Raleigh divorce lawyer, he or she may have included terms about who gets to be a full-time pet parent in your divorce paperwork. Some people choose to rely on verbal agreements, but that can be a big mistake. If nothing’s on paper, you’ll have a tough time proving that your ex promised not to keep your pet.
It’s not too late to mention your little pal to your lawyer, so if you haven’t yet, now is the time.
When Pets Get Caught Up in Divorce
Watching late-night reality TV centered on law enforcement can teach you that it’s not okay to trespass on your ex’s property and smuggle your dog, cat or other pet away in the night; that usually ends badly. If your ex has already uprooted your pet and refuses to give him or her back to you, call your Raleigh divorce lawyer to find out if there’s something you can do.
Generally, your best bet is to try to work something out with your ex that involves sharing your four-legged family member. In many cases, the court will award one person ownership of family pets. If you and your ex do decide to share, you may be able to work out a contract before your divorce is final that outlines your plan and holds you both accountable.
