Boynton Beach Pet Custody Lawyer
There can be no question that pets are family members and beloved as much as children to many people. However, there are many questions about what happens to them in Florida divorce. As much as you adore them, pets do not have the legal rights or interests of human children. The good news is that you can protect them by exercising your own rights, which are enforceable under the law. Plus, it is possible to work out arrangements for pet custody by agreement, also enforceable by you as necessary.
Pet custody is a relatively new concept in divorce law, but as these furry friends become more prevalent in the lives of families, it will come up. At The Law Office of Taryn G. Sinatra, Esq., we stay current on all developments in the law, so we will develop a strategy for your pet. Please contact our firm to speak to a Boynton Beach pet custody lawyer. We can schedule a case review to provide additional details, but a summary is informative.
Laws Regarding Pets in Divorce
It is hard to think of your pet as nothing but an object, but they are treated as property in Florida divorce. The laws of equitable distribution apply, so marital assets are split according to what is fair. If you welcomed your pet after getting married, the court will decide the fairness of awarding the pet to one party. The end result is not pet custody, but an award of property.
Unfortunately, factors related to equitable distribution do not cover facts that you might think are relevant to the court. The person who spent more time, cleaned the litter box, or walked the dog are not considerations because they are not in the statute. However, a court may still allow you to present evidence on these matters. After all, the point of equitable distribution is to do fairness.
For those who owned a pet before getting married, your furry companion is separate property that belongs to the individual.
Exploring Solutions for Pet Custody
An agreement regarding pets is a wise way to avoid disputes in divorce, and you can start early on with a prenuptial agreement. A postnuptial agreement, signed after getting married, can accomplish the same goals. The Law Office of Taryn G. Sinatra, Esq. will advise you and help prepare the necessary documents.
In addition, a South Florida pet custody lawyer can also help if you are already involved in divorce process and want to pursue an agreement. The objective is to create a marital settlement agreement that refers to the pet in the terms of property division.
Discuss Options with a Boynton Beach Pet Custody Lawyer
When you love pets like family, they will definitely play a significant role in your divorce case. You will need legal help with achieving your goals and staying active in your pet’s life, so please contact The Law Office of Taryn G. Sinatra, Esq. We can set up a consultation with a Boynton Beach pet custody lawyer.
