Divorce and family law are constantly evolving areas of law. As the legislature changes outdated laws, many issues are introduced by society’s views. This is especially true when it comes to our beloved furry animals and human divorces. Dogs, cats and other animals are deeply cherished by humans. They are often viewed as part of the family. They bring years of joy, companionship and happiness to a family. Not surprisingly, when a couple separates, pets are a major conflict during a divorce.
Pet disputes in divorce will likely continue to be an issue for decades to come. While pet disputes could resemble a child custody dispute in many ways, the legal framework remains at odds. Consequently, introducing pet custody arrangements set by relationships between humans and their pets during a divorce brings up a unique area of family law.
In 2014, according to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 27% of the lawyers they surveyed have noted an increase in pet custody cases during the past five years. (https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pet-custody-disputes-on-the-rise-find-nations-top-matrimonial-lawyers-245220181.html). In divorce agreements, pets are considered to be either personal property or a possession like furniture or fine china. Protections for pets are nearly non-existent. In other words, usually whoever purchased the animal and paid for a majority of the expenses gets to keep the pet. Judges do not often take into account who has bonded with the pet or who let the dogs out more when resolving a custody battle over an animal.
Some states have responded to this issue by passing legislation making custody of the pets similar to custody of a couple’s child or children. Alaska, California, Illinois and New Hampshire passed legislation to make sure that pets are treated differently than property. These statutes also call for a pet’s well-being to be taken into consideration during a custody battle. Such legislation is helpful because, in some cases, a couple cannot agree on who gets to keep the pet. A person may even take the animal to a shelter to seek revenge on the other partner. In these types of scenarios, people use the pet as a bargaining chip so that their partner would waiver other important issues, like finances.
Even in the handful of states with pet best interests laws, the need for a prenuptial agreement for a pet or a “pup nup” may arise. Just like prenups and postnups, “pup nups” are contracts that couples could use to write out what will happen with their pets should they split. A “pup nup” can help when there is a need for a divorce especially as more and more couples are in court battling over their pets.
In the event that a relationship ends, a “pup nup” would save the separating couple time, money for legal fees and emotional distress. This important document keeps the stress of deciding the fate of the pet outside of the courtroom while also outlining who will maintain primary custody, financial responsibility and visitation rights. A “pup nup” encourages pet owners to make a long-term plan for their animal’s care in the event of divorce and can include determinations on veterinarian expenses, doggie day care, boarding, grooming, toys, nutrition, exercise, etc. The “pup nup” protects the couple’s pet by ensuring that the pet will receive support and care agreed by both partners even during an event of a separation or divorce.
Families who are in the midst of a divorce may want to set up a pet’s visitation schedule to also sync with a human child’s custody schedule. This may ease the trauma of divorce with children. Although these agreements may or may not be enforceable by a court, they reflect the importance pets play in a family. The family pet is typically a crucial argument because pet owners have emotional and physical attachments to their pets.
An increase in awareness about animal welfare has made the issue of what to do with pets after dissolution of a marriage or relationship much more complicated in recent years. In some relationships, both parties genuinely and equally love the pet. Although four states have made progress by enacting pet custody laws, it is important to note that it has limitations. Laws put the decision of a four-legged friend into the hands of a judge who does not know the animal as well as the couple. Unfortunately, a judge may not fully appreciate the emotional attachment between the animal and humans involved regardless of which party purchased the pet. Until most states follow similar pet custody laws, parties may try to implement creating a pet custody arrangement without the need for a court order. Despite the slow progress in this area of law, many issues remain unresolved such as the status of pet disposition in unmarried relationships, the enforceability of visitation with pets, awards for costs of pet care, and challenges to courts award of pets based on alleged abuse or neglect. Like many areas of animal law, the issue of pets in divorce is evolving, but ever so slowly.