For many families, pets are family members present in holiday cards and cared for as faithful companions. On the other hand, California Family Law Courts have historically viewed pets as personal property and assigned ownership like any other item during a divorce or separation. If a pet was acquired during the marriage, the pet was generally characterized as community property.
However, California Family Law Courts have revised that position via Family Code section 2605, which allows Judges to “assign sole or joint ownership” of a “community property” pet, by taking into consideration the care for the pet. Pets can also be placed in the temporary care of one of the parties in a divorce or separation before the final home of the pet is determined.
In determining possession and control of the pet, the Court may consider whether a spouse knows the brand of pet food the animal eats, the name of the pet’s veterinarian, the pet’s medical needs, etc. Some might argue this new law raises the status of pets to something just below a human child. However, advocates argue it raises the status of pets to where they belong—family members. Undoubtedly, these new changes will add another dimension to divorce in California.
It is important to note that parties do not have to go to Court to determine the possession and control of the family pet(s). Parties can create their own agreement and arrangements, including a schedule of when either party will have the pet(s) and other responsibilities. If parties can reach an agreement, they can formalize this agreement and submit it to the Court.
If you are considering divorce and need help creating a pet custody agreement or have other family law questions, contact The Reape-Rickett Law Firm today at 888-846-6166 or visit www.DivorceDigest.com.