My dog is part of my family. I have had Brodie for 11 years, and it would be painful to lose him in divorce proceedings. I adopted Brodie from a shelter in 2009, my husband left me in 2013, and my divorce was final in 2017. There was never a threat that I could lose my dog. I think it was assumed by my Ex that Brodie was my dog and not his, so this issue never came up.
For many going through a divorce, it is not that easy. In some cases, the spouse is spiteful and attempts to get the pet he may or may not care for, only to hurt the other spouse. In many cases, both parties do love the pet equally and feel that they need this pet in their life.
In most states, maybe all, I don’t know, pets are viewed as property. In my state of NC, that is the case. The judge may see the pet as common property, and if a decision can’t be made on who keeps the dog or cat, the judge may order the pet sold and divide the proceeds among the parties.
Here are a few things to think about if you are battling over a pet in your divorce proceedings.
*If you owned the pet before your marriage, most people would say it is likely you could keep your pet.
*The judge may make the decision based on the best situation for the pet.
*Some people share joint custody of their pets.
*If you can show ownership based on the purchase or adoption of your pet, you may have a higher chance of keeping your pet.
*Showing receipts that you are the one taking your pet to the vet or doggie daycare may increase your chances.
*Maintaining custody of your pet during the divorce proceedings may weigh in your favor.
*Photos of yourself and your pet together may help as well.
*Many times, the dog or cat will go where the kids in the family go. I read of one case where the parents had joint custody of the kids and where the children went; that is where the dog went. So, in essence, they had joint custody of the dog also.
*If the dog is a service dog, that dog will probably go with the person he was helping.
*Some people actually think ahead and have a doggie prenup.
I hope this is in some way helpful as you proceed through the divorce process.
God Bless You On This Journey!
KathieyV
My ex left me in 2012 and the divorce was final around 2013. It was a painful process too. It’s even more interesting all these years later that he’s tried to contact me several time. He’s emailed me even though we’re both remarried with kids. The divorce was ugly and he treated me like I was disposable furniture he no longer needed. He was very arrogant and a narcissist. Luckily, I was able to keep our dogs. I now think it’s ironic he’s not totally happy in his marriage, but even if he were the last man on the planet and I was single – I’d never get back with him for how terrible he treated me. There are ways to get a divorce by treated the other person with human kindness. Unfortunately, that’s not the way many divorces go down. True colors come out during a divorce. Even as I am remarried, that first divorce remains a trauma and a scar I’ll never quite forget. Thanks for sharing your divorce story. <3
I totally understand everything you have said. I think we are scarred from a traumatic divorce experience, but I am glad that we can move on. I am so glad you got to keep your dogs and also that you are remarried and I hope you are happy. Mine was an awful divorce also. Lies, cheating and the list goes on. This happened to me about the same time you were having your experience. Looking back I am not glad for the pain but I am glad for the outcome. I am better off. Hope you stay well and thanks for taking the time to comment.
Kathiey:-)
Yes, many people feel like we should move on and I have. Don’t get me wrong. It has made me stronger. But the scars are there and the pain is too. I think always will be. When you love and give your heart, it’s not like a light switch that you simply turn off. Thanks for writing about it.
I agree with you. It is a challenging transaction, but like you said, we can move on; even with the scars and pain, we can become stronger, and I think better. I hope you had a wonderful holiday, and God bless you on this journey:-)