Most people consider their pets to be part of the family, making it difficult to decide who will take over ownership in the aftermath of a divorce. It’s not uncommon for pet custody to be one of the most challenging issues to work out when a marriage ends. This is why it’s important to enlist the help of a family court attorney if you are fighting for custody of your pet in a divorce. Here are some key points to understand about what happens to pets when an Ohio couple parts ways.

How Pet Custody Is Determined in Ohio Divorces 

Pets as Personal Property 

In Ohio, the law views pets as personal property, which means they don’t have any legal protections and custody isn’t determined in the same manner it would be for a child. Instead, the court will determine who should get the family pet during their division of marital assets. Therefore, it’s unlikely for the non-custodial spouse to be awarded an official pet visitation schedule. You will want a family court attorney to present a compelling argument for why you should receive custody. 

Factors Considered by the Court 

Fortunately, many family court judges understand the bond between pet and owner and will take the time to carefully consider what’s in the best interest of the animal. They will typically take into account a number of factors before awarding pet custody. These include which spouse pays for the animal’s food and care, who is responsible for their training and healthcare, who regularly interacts and plays with the pet, which spouse adopted or bought the animal, who will have custody of the children, and which spouse’s schedule is more beneficial for taking care of the pet.

Breeding & Selling Animals 

In the event you and your former spouse breed and sell animals, this can change how the court rules on pet custody. There’s a chance the judge will consider your pets to be business assets rather than personal property. This is because certain breeds are worth a substantial amount of money, and if their intended purpose is to be sold, they may be treated as potential income. 

If you need reliable counsel from a family court attorney on how to achieve favorable results in a pet custody battle, contact Don Roberts Law Offices. Their expertise in this area of law can help put you in a better position to negotiate an agreement with your ex-spouse or show the court why your pet belongs with you. They have provided numerous residents throughout Hilliard, Columbus, Dublin, and Franklin County, OH with the aggressive representation needed to protect their rights when settling a divorce. Call (614) 777-4500 to consult a family court attorney or visit their website to view a list of family law issues they can assist you with.

_{Don Roberts Law Offices is based in Columbus, Ohio, but serves clients throughout the State of Ohio. Our office in Hilliard, Ohio is convenient to Dublin, New Jefferson, Bexley, Westerville, New Albany, Hilliard, Grove City, Reynoldsburg, Gahanna, and other Franklin County municipalities. Our office is located in central Ohio and is just a short drive to/from anywhere in Ohio.  Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only and should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.  See our profile at Avvo.com or Martindale.com.}