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Do you have a divorce plan for your dog?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Nov 3, 2017 | Property Division |

Do you have a divorce plan for your dog? What about the cat?

Dogs and cats are popular fixtures in American households and are often treated like they’re valuable family members. However, in divorce court, the four-legged family members are actually considered property.

Because of that, you may want to give some thought to a divorce plan for your dog or cat. Here are some things to consider:

1. Do you want custody of the dog or cat? If you’re moving, it may be hard to find an apartment or rental that will allow pets, especially dogs over a certain size.

2. If you purchased the dog or cat, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re really the owner. Was it purchased as a birthday gift? If so, it may belong to your spouse. On the other hand, if you bought the pup or kitten together, you may have a harder time identifying who the real owner actually is.

3. Who takes care of the dog or cat? Be honest — if you love the dog but don’t really want to take care of him, but your spouse is willing to handle poop-duty, the vet, medication, feedings, brushing and baths — your spouse might be the better caretaker.

4. Is your spouse trying to use the dog or cat as a tool to get something else of value out of you? You can challenge the emotional blackmail by breaking down the actual value of the dog, for example. If an English Mastiff cost $1000 as a puppy, how much has that dog depreciated at age 4, given the average lifespan of the breed? If so, you could make a credible argument that the dog is only worth a small amount of money that you’re willing to pay.

5. You can make a strong case that the dog should stay with you by presenting evidence that the dog is emotionally attached to you and you are its primary caretaker. Pictures, vet records, purchase receipts for tools and photos may help.

6. You can resolve the whole issue by having an agreement written up that specifically settles the issue in advance. Pet agreements are becoming more common in courts — and judges generally honor the agreements.

For more information on property division issues, reach out for legal guidance.

Source: Forbes, “How Are Pets Handled In Divorce?,” Jeff Landers, accessed Nov. 03, 2017

I’ve been served divorce papers that include false allegations: what do I do?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Jun 6, 2025 | Domestic Violence

Receiving divorce papers is already overwhelming. When false allegations are part of the paperwork, the situation can feel even more difficult. It’s essential to stay calm and know how to address the issue. Here’s what to do if you receive divorce papers containing...

Do domestic partnerships affect divorce rights?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 14, 2025 | Divorce

Domestic partnerships offer many of the same rights and responsibilities as marriage, but they can complicate the divorce process. If you're ending a domestic partnership, your legal path may differ from that of a traditional divorce, especially in California....

Moore / Marsden calculations in California divorce

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 10, 2025 | Divorce

In California, Moore/Marsden calculations determine how to divide property when one spouse’s separate property has contributed to the acquisition or improvement of community property. These calculations ensure a fair division of property in divorce cases, particularly...

How can you document SP for asset protection?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 3, 2025 | Family Law

When you're about to get married, it's important to think about how to protect your assets, including spousal support (SP) money. If you've received spousal support in the past or expect it during your marriage, you may worry about documenting its use—especially if...

What to expect during child support enforcement actions

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 23, 2025 | Child Support

Child support represents the financial contributions a non-custodial parent makes towards their child's upbringing. It ensures a parent meets the child's basic needs, such as food, housing, and education. It also supports a child's wellbeing, especially when parents...

Can you reimburse expenses before child support orders take effect?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 17, 2025 | Child Support

After a separation, managing child-related expenses can become a challenging task, especially before any official child support orders take effect. Many parents wonder if they can reimburse child expenses during this interim period. Understanding your rights and...

Do mothers have more rights than fathers in custody cases?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 11, 2025 | Custody & Visitation

When it comes to custody cases, it is a common misconception that mothers have more rights than fathers. This often stems from historical trends and societal assumptions about parenting roles. Whether you are a mother concerned about maintaining your relationship with...

Why should you update your advanced directives during a divorce?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 28, 2025 | Divorce

Going through a divorce is challenging. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is updating your advanced directives. These legal documents play a vital role in ensuring others respect your wishes, even when you cannot speak for yourself. Protecting your...

Can you protect yourself and your children without a divorce?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 25, 2025 | Domestic Violence

Domestic violence creates a terrifying and dangerous situation. You may feel trapped, believing divorce is your only option for safety. The good news is that California law provides legal alternatives if your moral beliefs prevent you from getting a divorce. Let us...

What can California parents do if their child refuses to visit the other parent?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 14, 2025 | Child Custody

Dealing with a child who does not want to see their other parent can create stress for everyone involved. California courts expect parents to follow custody orders while being sensitive to their children's feelings. Parents can struggle to balance their legal...

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Recent Posts

  • I’ve been served divorce papers that include false allegations: what do I do?
  • Do domestic partnerships affect divorce rights?
  • Moore / Marsden calculations in California divorce
  • How can you document SP for asset protection?

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