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Most pet owners consider their beloved cats and dogs to be part of the family, which can make deciding who gets custody in a divorce extremely difficult. Whenever possible, it’s always best to negotiate a settlement with your spouse’s divorce lawyer, but if that isn’t possible, you may have to let a judge settle the matter. Knowing how family courts decide who gets to keep a pet will help you achieve the best outcome for you and your furry loved one.

How Pet Custody Is Determined

Family law in most states doesn’t take into account the emotional bond between people and their pets, which can make these cases especially difficult. In general, dogs, cats, and other pets are considered pieces of property, no different from your cars, dining room table, and savings account.

Connecticut follows the “equitable distribution” principle of distributing property in a divorce, which gives each spouse a fair share of the marital assets. Like any other property, the court will consider when the pet was acquired, the cash value of the animal, and each spouse’s financial situation when deciding who should keep it.

How to Improve the Chances of Keeping Your Pet

divorce lawyerSome courts have gone beyond the law and started making their decisions based on the best interests of the pet. A skilled divorce lawyer may be able to convince the court to award custody to you by helping you gather proof to state your case.

If you paid a larger share of veterinarian bills, gather paper statements to prove that you’ve invested funds, time, and care in your pet’s health. Gather photographs of you and your pet together to prove that you have a strong bond and bring them to the court.

Additionally, a judge may consider which person has the best living situation. If you live alone and have ample room in your home or apartment for a cat, or a large backyard for a dog, a judge’s opinion may sway in your favor.


 

Dissolving a marriage is always stressful and confusing, especially when children or pets are involved. For over 25 years, the divorce lawyers at Greene Law, PC have provided attentive, personalized service that has earned them the distinction of being named one of the finest legal firms in Hartford. Visit their website for an overview of their family law services or call (860) 676-1336 to consult with a divorce lawyer today.

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