Dear Attorneys,
I’m going through a divorce and we have two dogs. The dogs are very important to me, and I want to keep them. However, I feel as though my husband should equally divide the expenses for the dogs even after we are divorced. Is this something that the Court would order?
Sincerely,
Doggie Daze
Dear Doggie,
While we love dogs, and certainly understand how important they are to people, the State of Connecticut has categorized dogs (and other pets) as personal property. This means that in general, the Court does not enter orders regarding pets in divorce agreements. If you have an agreement as to who shall retain the dog, then that can go into a final agreement that the Court will accept. However, the Court will not approve an access plan for the other party to see the dog. Additionally, absent some extreme circumstances (say for example that the animal is a service animal for one of your children), the Court generally will not require the party who does not retain the animal to contribute to the care/costs for such.
Remember, you don’t have to navigate this challenging situation alone. Seek support from experienced professionals who can guide you through the legal process and help you make informed decisions. Wolf & Shore Law Group is here to help you make your family law matters easier, not harder. We are realistic and direct with our clients. We encourage potential clients to seek out a firm where they will feel comfortable and confident. Ever argue with a woman? Let Wolf & Shore Law Group go to work for you. Call us at 203.745.3151 or email us at info@wolfandshorelaw.com.
Very Truly Yours,
Wolf & Shore Law Group
*The situations represented in our Dear Attorneys column are entirely fictional and any resemblance to a specific case is unintentional. We cannot, and will not, offer legal advice to anyone who is not a client. However, if you do have questions or concerns, you should contact an attorney at your convenience.
