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Who Retains Ownership Rights to Dog or Pets In Divorce Cases?

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FIZER LAW

 

 

Most people who own dogs or pets and are close with their animals view pets more like family members than pieces of property. These are reciprocal, loving, highly connected, and committed relationships between dogs and the people who care for them. Suffering the loss of your dog or pet alongside the loss of a long-term relationship in the form of a marriage is an emotional double whammy.

 Therefore, it perhaps shouldn't come as a surprise that some states are now recognizing family pets as more related to people than property when involved in divorce proceedings. Still, these are groundbreaking developments, and it's worth taking a closer look.

 In 2017, Alaska became the first state in the country to pass a formal law on the matter of pets in divorce cases. The state of Illinois was the next to join the bandwagon the following year. In 2019, another state joined the movement, California. In California, there was a difference in how the legislation is worded, though. In California, the court can consider the well-being of the animal but is not formally required to do so.

 Moreover, bear in mind that the laws concerning dogs in divorce cases apply to all family pets, not just your canine friends. They are by far the common likely source of a dispute between a divorcing couple, but whether it's a cat, bird, lizard, or anything else, all pets can be viewed the same.

 Having a state's divorce court or Divorce Lawyer handle the matter of who retains ownership rights to your dog or pets may look like a giggling matter, or like overkill, from the outside in. Still, from one dog owner to another, it's an essential step in the right direction. With several states now legally making the switch, don't be surprised to see other states begin to adopt similar policies as well.

 Also, keep in mind these are only three states out of fifty where dogs in divorce are treated with their rights being considered. If you reside in any of the other 47 states, then you live in an area that does not legally or officially support such considerations.

 Hence you always have to keep in mind any local legislation that may apply. It would help if you were to work with a Divorce Lawyer who has experience in your specific area or region. The matter of dogs and divorce cases certainly isn't going to go away anytime soon.

 So if you discover yourself in the unfortunate situation of dissolving your marriage, consideration to detail, and readiness to attend to your case is the key to getting started on a positive path toward your future. If you want a dedicated, experienced, and passionate lawyer to represent you, contact the law office of Fizer Law, the Top Divorce Lawyer in Long Beach, CA, at 1-562-270-9944.

 

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