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Divorce mediation can help with a different kind of custody

On Behalf of | Apr 2, 2018 | Divorce Mediation, Firm News

Many Kentucky couples have pets that are like children to them. Their pets are an important part of the family, and when one of those couples decides to end their marriage, the fate of the family pet can easily become a source of contention. Fortunately, divorce mediation could help come to an agreement regarding the “custody” of this important part of the family.

If a couple goes through a Kentucky court to resolve all of their divorce issues, the pet is often treated no differently than any other property the couple needs divided. The court determines whether the pet is separate or marital property just as it would with the family home or a couch. For many people, this approach does not take into consideration the emotional attachment the parties have to their beloved pet.

Instead of going to court, a couple may come to an agreement regarding the pet. A visitation plan may be created just as for any children. In fact, if a couple has children, it may be a good idea to make sure that time with the family pet coincides with time with the children since they are often attached to the family pet as well. Another issue to consider when creating such an agreement is how the expenses related to the pet will be handled.

Because the fate of the family pet can be some an emotionally charged issue, the parties may need some assistance in coming to an agreement. Entering into divorce mediation could provide the assistance and structure needed in order to keep those emotions from preventing an agreement. In addition, this method of resolving divorce issues could be used for every aspect of the divorce.

Source: hometownlife.com, “Pets increasingly becoming divorce battleground“, Susan Peck, March 27, 2018