Divorce and Pet Custody
Many pet owners view the animals in their care as members of their families. When a couple is going through the process of divorce, they may have questions related to their pet and the way the couple will share the animal. Some common issues include pet custody, visitation rights and “petimony” (alimony for pets). Unfortunately, the legal answers are not as clear as many pet owners would prefer.
Divorce can often be a complex process, with legal decisions to make about a variety of subjects. If you need legal assistance with this process, contact the experienced Houston divorce attorneys of Garg & Associates, P.C. today at 281-475- 4640.
Determining Pet Custody
Unfortunately, Texas law does not currently make provisions for the shared custody of pets. Legal policies that apply to this complex situation include:
- Currently the state of Texas recognizes pets as “property” and therefore makes no legal determinations regarding custody, visitation or pet support funds.
- If a couple would like to determine a custody or visitation plan, they may do so but the court cannot legally enforce those decisions.
- If they choose to do so, the couple can determine the worth of the pet and sell him or her. They can then divide the assets equally.
Divorce laws are always evolving due to changing lifestyles in our modern world. These include laws regarding pets. It is important to work with a lawyer who stays up to date on these regulations so he or she can best represent you and your family during this process.
Contact Us
If you have additional questions about pet custody or simply want to speak with an experienced attorney about divorce in Texas, contact the experienced Houston divorce lawyers of Garg & Associates, P.C. today at 281-210-0010.
