Understanding Pet Ownership in Divorce Cases
Hey guys, my name is Heath Davis, an attorney in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’m an avid pet lover myself, I’ve had pets my entire life, and this is a very common question that we receive: what does a judge do with the pet cat, the pet dog, the pet fish? There used to not be a lot of guidance on this issue, but in the most common days a court looks at a pet as simply property division and that may seem like a very mean way to look at things because they’re beloved members of our family, you know, sometimes just as much as our kiddos.
And so a court looks at a pet just as it would look at a table. So there are no visitation rights to pets, there are no, you know, hey, we’re going to share custody of the pet. Now that can always be done by agreement of the parties, but a court doesn’t have the authority to order that. So if you’re asking a court to divide, you know, your pet or pets, basically a court’s going to apply what we call a fair and equitable test and, you know, what is fair in the court’s eyes as to where that pet should go. And so just as the court would award a table or a TV to one party or the other, the court is likely to treat your pet as the same as those items.
Factors Considered in Pet Custody Cases
When it comes to deciding who gets the family pet during a divorce in Oklahoma, the court may consider factors such as who primarily cared for the pet, who has the financial means to care for the pet, and who has a stronger emotional bond with the pet. While it may be difficult to accept that pets are treated as property in legal proceedings, it is important to understand the legal framework surrounding pet ownership in divorce cases.
Seek Legal Guidance for Your Pet Custody Concerns
If you are facing a pet custody issue during a divorce in Oklahoma, it is essential to seek legal guidance from an experienced Tulsa men’s divorce attorney who can help you navigate the legal process. Contact tulsafathersrights.lawyer today for a low-cost consultation to discuss your pet custody concerns and explore your legal options. Our team is here to provide you with the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.
