how can i speak to an attorney regarding pet custody

by Frida Moen 3 min read

Contact us online, or by telephone locally at (646) 770-3868 today to speak with an experienced family law attorney about your needs. Need Counsel or Help to File for Pet Custody in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx or Long Island? Contact Us Today.

Full Answer

Do I need a child custody lawyer for my Pet?

May 18, 2021 · A pet custody agreement is made when people who buy or adopt a pet enter into a contractual type of agreement that details the pet care responsibilities and ownership interests. As noted above, pet custody agreements are the best way to avoid potential disputes involving the custody of the pet in the event of a divorce or separation. A pet ...

How do you decide who gets custody of your pet?

If you are a pet owner seeking a separation, divorce, or answers about animal ownership rights, it’s smart to consult with an attorney regarding your legal rights to custody and visitation of your dog, cat, or bird. Putting order to your pet’s living arrangements can give you reassurance in uncertain times. Pets – just like children ...

Where can I mediate a pet custody dispute near me?

Apr 25, 2017 · Contact us online, or by telephone locally at (646) 770-3868 today to speak with an experienced family law attorney about your needs. Need Counsel or Help to File for Pet Custody in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx or Long Island? Contact Us Today.

How do I find an animal law attorney?

Contact Our Orange County Pet Custody Attorneys Today. To learn more and to obtain the legal help you may need, speak to a reputable pet custody lawyer from our law firm, Sarieh Law Offices. Having a good attorney’s help is your right, and if you’re divorcing in California, it’s help that you are very much going to need.

What do you do if someone won't give your pet back?

The pet owner's recourse follows two main courses of action: you can attempt to negotiate for the return of the pet. Or you can also file a court action to determine the legal ownership of the pet and mandate return of the pet to the rightful owner.

Can I take my dog back from my ex?

If your former partner already has taken your pet with them, coming to an agreement together may be the best chance you have of getting your pet back. If you end up having to take them to court and they already have possession of the animal, chances are the court will end up awarding custody to them.Jul 30, 2020

Who gets to keep the dog after a breakup?

In the event of a simple breakup, the person who bought the dog usually gets to keep possession. The exception is when the dog was bought as a clear gift to the other partner. In that case, the dog may belong to the recipient.

How do you decide who gets the dog in a divorce?

If one person brought the pet into the marriage, then they will likely be awarded the pet during the divorce. However, there are many variables, such as who takes care of the pet, that the court may take into account. The first question that the court will address is whether the pet is separate or marital property.Oct 18, 2021

Does a microchip prove ownership?

This means this person has legal responsibility for their dog and can be held responsible if the dog falls foul of any law, including straying or causing injury, but it does not prove legal ownership.Jul 12, 2021

Can I sue my ex for my dog?

We often receive the question, can I sue my ex for stealing my dog? The answer is yes! Disputes over pets are very common in small claims court.

Should I let my ex keep the dog?

Chances are, your ex might not even be capable of handling a pet. If this is the case, no matter how much they insist, don't let them have your dog. Even if they are responsible and you still don't wish to share a pet with them, it's alright. Sometimes it's okay to put your interests first.Mar 2, 2020

Can my ex keep my dog?

Most courts see an animal as property. As such, the person who paid for the animal is the one who is entitled to keep them. Although this is not set in stone. If your ex is the one who paid for the animal, don't give up!Jan 21, 2019

How can I share my dog with my ex?

How to make a dog parenting plan after a breakup
  1. Decide if there will be a primary caregiver.
  2. Make a calendar or spreadsheet for sharing time.
  3. Create a savings account for expenses.
  4. Keep the dog on the same routine in both homes.
  5. When in doubt, get legal advice.
  6. Get a prenuptial agreement for dogs (i.e. a “pupnup”)

What happens to pets during a divorce?

Under the new law, a judge will be able to settle disagreements just the same way they handle child-custody disputes. Until now, pets have been considered family property, a status giving them little standing in a divorce. Under a new bill signed by Gov.

Does divorce Affect Dogs?

Dogs view their owners as family, much as we do. In a divorce, they've essentially lost a parent. And if you have more than one dog, they potentially lose a brother or sister, too. These feelings can result in separation anxiety and depression.

Is a dog considered an asset?

While animal lovers across the country may consider the family dog, cat, or other animal to be a part of the family, the law considers an animal to be an asset.Dec 28, 2016

What Are The Other Provisions of The New Animal Custody Law?

Under the new statute, visitation rights may also be established for the “non-custodial” ex-spouse when sole custody of the family pet is ordered.

How Have California Divorce Court Judges Handled Pets In The Past?

Sometimes, judges have simply placed a pet between the two divorcing spouses to see who the pet moved toward first. When the divorcing spouses own more than one pet, judges in divorce cases have often recommended splitting up the pets.

When Is A Dispute Over A Pet Almost Unavoidable?

When both partners have a special affection for a pet – and when they have no prenuptial agreement – a dispute during the divorce is almost unavoidable, and when the spouses have no offspring, the connection to a pet may be even more emotional.

How Can Divorce Law Firms Help Me Get Legal Custody of A Dog?

If you and your spouse own one or more pets, and you are divorcing in California, you’re going to need legal help immediately. Before you take any other steps, speak to an experienced divorce attorney as early as possible.

Contact Our Orange County Pet Custody Attorneys Today

To learn more and to obtain the legal help you may need, speak to a reputable pet custody lawyer from our law firm, Sarieh Law Offices. Having a good attorney’s help is your right, and if you’re divorcing in California, it’s help that you are very much going to need.

How to keep a pet out of court?

One way to keep pet custody out of court is to have a fair custody agreement that provides either for joint custody of the pet or for sole custody with a visita tion schedule for the other partner. Joint custody, though, is usually not the best thing for your pet. Pets, like children, are often traumatized in ...

Can you fight over a pet custody agreement?

The trick is to have the pet custody agreement in place before you and your partner go your separate ways, so you're not fighting over your pet while emotions are running high.

Can you keep your dog in custody during a divorce?

Divorce cases increasingly include fighting over the family dog and other pets. Still, you can help keep pet custody out of a divorce or a split, as there are ways to protect who gets the animal you both own. Pet custody agreements can resolve this issue, much like prenuptial agreements.

Is it legal to keep a pet as a family member?

Pet Custody Laws. Most states don't view your pet as a family member, even though you do. Pets are generally considered by law as personal property, much like your knickknacks and appliances. The good news is that the law is changing, just not at a rapid pace.

Is a pet considered a family member?

Most states don't view your pet as a family member, even though you do. Pets are generally considered by law as personal property, much like your knickknacks and appliances. The good news is that the law is changing, just not at a rapid pace. As of 2019, two states—Alaska and Illinois—consider pets as more than personal property. This means that judges in those states consider pet custody almost the same way they consider child custody, focusing on the pet's best interests to help decide where it should live.

Is a pet considered personal property?

Pets are generally considered by law as personal property, much like your knickknacks and appliances. The good news is that the law is changing, just not at a rapid pace. As of 2019, two states—Alaska and Illinois—consider pets as more than personal property.

Which states have pet custody laws?

As of 2019, two states—Alaska and Illinois—consider pets as more than personal property. This means that judges in those states consider pet custody almost the same way they consider child custody, focusing on the pet's best interests to help decide where it should live. A California law went into effect in 2019 that states ...

What to do if you can't agree with your spouse about custody of your pet?

If you and your spouse can’t agree regarding the custody of your pet (or any other element of your divorce), mediation is often a way that you can reach an agreement without fighting it out in court.

Is "pet custody" legal?

An important note, the term “pet custody” is not an official court term; legally it is referred to as “pet animal ownership”. The term “pet custody” is used by many outside of court however, and will be used in this article.

What animal is considered a household pet in California?

So, while fish, birds, dogs and cats certainly qualify, goats, pigs, or chickens may or may not….

Can you own a pet during a divorce?

In order to protect your pet and your rights as a pet owner during a divorce, it is important to know the current laws surrounding pet ownership. Pets often provide their owners significant comfort when going through a divorce, but the transition can be hard on them as well as you. In this guide, I break down the current California laws surrounding ...

Can a court award temporary custody of a pet?

The court can also award temporary custody based on the well being of the pet while the divorce is being reviewed. An important note, the term “pet custody” is not an official court term; legally it is referred to as “pet animal ownership”. The term “pet custody” is used by many outside of court however, and will be used in this article.

What are the elements of a judge's decision to give custody of a pet?

Elements can include: Who normally feeds, walks and plays with the pet. Who previously took the pet to their veterinarian appointments. In whose name is the animal registered.

Can you claim a pet as a support animal in a divorce?

While it is not necessary to claim the pet as a “support animal”, the court will look at the emotional connection each party has with the pet.

How to get a pet custody case resolved?

Most towns and cities have community mediation clinics that offer mediation services for common disputes that people have, including pet custody issues. To find a community mediation center near you, do a search on the internet or call the county court clerk's office.

Can small claims court handle pet custody?

In most cases, small claims courts are equipped to handle a pet custody issue. However, keep in mind that small claims courts only award monetary damages. If you file a lawsuit in small claims, you run the risk of winning your case but being awarded the monetary value of your pet – rather than the pet itself.

Do you relinquish possession of your pet?

Do not relinquish possession of your pet. According to state law, pets are considered property. This means that with pet custody, as with determining ownership of other items of personal property, the law favors the person in possession. You may have heard the phrase "possession is nine-tenths of the law.".

Is a pet considered property?

According to state law, pets are considered property. This means that with pet custody, as with determining ownership of other items of personal property, the law favors the person in possession. You may have heard the phrase "possession is nine-tenths of the law.".

Can an animal law attorney get a restraining order?

In some cases, animal law attorneys have been successful with getting restraining orders that include pets. If you're concerned for the safety of your pet as well as yourself, talk to a family law attorney who has experience with restraining orders. You also can seek help from a local domestic violence shelter.

Can you file a lawsuit if you are not married?

If you were not married, however, you'll have to file a lawsuit on your own. In most cases, small claims courts are equipped to handle a pet custody issue.

Which state has the first law requiring courts to consider the animal's interests in pet custody cases?

In 2017, Alaska became the first state to pass a law requiring courts to consider the animal’s interests in pet custody cases.

Which state has the first pet custody law?

While most courts will award custody based on who is determined to be the animal’s legal owner, this is not always the case. In 2017, Alaska became the first state to pass a law requiring courts to consider the animal’s interests in pet custody cases. Illinois became the second in 2018.

Is Illinois the second state to have a pet custody case?

Illinois became the second in 2018. It’s expected that this model will become more common, and that more and more courts will consider an animal’s interests when determining pet custody. Your attorney will be able to advise you of the law in your state.

Do you give up an animal if you adopted it?

If you were not the one who originally brought the animal home, do not give up.

What is the Animal Legal Defense Fund?

Since 1979, the Animal Legal Defense Fund has led the charge to win animals the legal protection they so desperately need—and deserve. Your generous gift will assure that we can continue to take on cases that advance the interests of animals.

Can a court order for the care of a pet animal affect the final decision of the parties?

The existence of an order providing for the care of a pet animal during the course of proceedings for dissolution of marriage or for legal separation of the parties shall not have any impact on the court’s final determination of ownership of the pet animal.

Is a pet a personal property?

Prior to January 1, 2019, even when couples were able to come to an agreement regarding where the family pet would live post-separation and whether the other party would be able to have any kind of visitation or custody of the pet, the agreements were not legally enforceable by the family court. Pets and animals were treated as personal property ...

Can a pet custody agreement prevent future disputes?

While a pet custody agreement may not prevent future disputes entirely and could be overruled by a court ruling, pre-existing agreements are given considerable weight in the legal arena and could minimize conflict significantly during a dispute.

What is pet custody?

While pet custody laws are designed to settle disputes over pet ownership, they generally view pets as property and regulations vary widely from state to state.

Can you confiscate a pet for attacking someone?

Custody Battles With Local Law Enforcement. Animal care and control officers can confiscate pets accused of showing aggressive behavior or attacking a person. Depending on the state in which the alleged attack occurred, the accused animal may be quarantined for a certain amount of time to check for signs of rabies or may be sentenced to euthanasia. ...

What is a third party pet custody dispute?

Third-party custody disputes over pets occur when someone wants to take or keep possession of an animal that formally belongs to someone other than an ex-partner. Generally, these kinds of disputes involve allegations of pet abuse or neglect from which the third-party wants to protect the animal. Pet custody laws typically give preference to the owner of record in third-party custody disputes, but if abuse or neglect can be proven, the third party sometimes can gain ownership of the animal successfully by working with local animal care and control officers, or filing a civil or criminal suit against the original owner.

Can a third party get custody of a pet?

Pet custody laws typically give preference to the owner of record in third-party custody disputes, but if abuse or neglect can be proven, the third party sometimes can gain ownership of the animal successfully by working with local animal care and control officers, or filing a civil or criminal suit against the original owner.

What is a pet custody agreement?

A pet custody agreement is the best defense against future conflicts over pet custody. People who plan to buy or adopt a pet that will be shared with another person can protect the best interest of the animal by entering into an agreement that details how the pet care responsibilities will be divided, and anticipates how those responsibilities will be affected in the event of a break-up or any separation between the human caretakers. Pet custody agreements should be as detailed as possible and a signed copy should be kept by each party involved. While a pet custody agreement may not prevent future disputes entirely and could be overruled by a court ruling, pre-existing agreements are given considerable weight in the legal arena and could minimize conflict significantly during a dispute.

Can you confiscate a pet for rabies?

Animal care and control officers can confiscate pets accused of showing aggressive behavior or attacking a person. Depending on the state in which the alleged attack occurred, the accused animal may be quarantined for a certain amount of time to check for signs of rabies or may be sentenced to euthanasia. Pet parents of confiscated animals must ...