What Happens to Your Pets in a Collaborative Divorce?
There are many things to consider when pursuing a divorce, from custody to asset division and everything in between, including how to determine the custody plan for your pets.
In court divorce, the court decides on temporary pet custody plans, but at trial, the Judge is typically limited to deciding ownership. Most of the time, someone wins and someone loses. Still, when you work through your divorce using the collaborative divorce process, often the team you and your spouse are working with can think out of the box regarding custody plans for your animals.
In a collaborative divorce, the welfare of pets is given due consideration alongside other important matters like child custody and asset division. The outcome regarding pets will vary based on many factors and circumstances of the couple and their pets. Here are a few possible custody scenarios to consider:
Joint Custody: Divorcing couples may agree to share custody of their pets, similar to arrangements made for children creating a schedule for visitation or alternate periods of pet ownership.
Sole Custody: One spouse may give sole custody of the pets while the other spouse receives visitation rights or limited contact.
Pet Ownership Agreement: Collaborating couples can create a detailed agreement outlining responsibilities, visitation, and financial arrangements related to the pets.
When couples cannot reach an agreement on pet custody, seeking the assistance of a mediator can be helpful. These professionals facilitate discussions and guide couples toward finding a mutually acceptable solution that prioritizes the best interests of the pets.
Consult your collaborative divorce team to understand how pet custody is typically handled. It’s better to plan for the future now in order to avoid conflict and confusion later.
When you utilize the Los Angeles Consensual Dispute Resolution Family Law Association experts, you can rest easier because you will know that when your divorce is finalized, each party involved, including your children, will be ready to face the future confidently.
Call us today to learn more about how our members at the LACFLA can help you and your family through your divorce.
Note: This information is general in nature and should not be construed as legal, financial or mental health advice. You should work with your attorney, financial or mental health professional to determine what will work best for your situation.