Top Tips For Avoiding Animal Angst During National Pet Week
Pet Custody
02/04/2008
As Britain gears up to celebrate National Pet month (5 April to 5 May 2008) thousands of families up and down the country will be celebrating life with their pets. But what happens when a marriage or relationship turns sours and couples find themselves in a tussle over their pets?
This situation is becoming ever more common and affects a wide cross section of people from affluent childless couples, to young families' right through to couples whose children have grown up and left home.
Specialist family lawyer Martin Loxley at Sheffield based law firm Irwin Mitchell has some words of guidance if you are encountering a dispute over a Doberman or a conflict over kitten.
Mr Loxley said: "This can be a highly emotive issue for separating couples compounding the frictions that may have led them to separate in the first place."
He recommends the following:
- Forward plan - insure against potential disputes on relationship breakdown by asking a solicitor to draw up a prenuptial agreement or other written agreement specifying your wishes in relation to your family pets. Remember to include those you acquire after you marry too.
- Stay rational - try to discuss arrangements that may work in practice and always be prepared to negotiate to come to a sensible agreement. A way forward may be to consider joint custody (shared care) or arrangements for contact (access) in the future.
- Consider your living arrangements when deciding with whom the pet should live – ensure that you are not working long hours or living in unsuitable accommodation.
- Bear in mind that a pet custody battle taken to court could cost between £5,000 and £10,000. The court should be very much the place of last resort. And don’t necessarily assume a sympathetic hearing.
- Do not separate your children from their pets unless absolutely necessary. Children can form very strong attachments to their pets and they can be a great source of comfort when their parents are separating. If separation proves inevitable perhaps encourage children to write to a pet in between visits and send photos of the pet back in encouragement.
- Consider the welfare of your pet. Remember that your pet will need a lot of love and affection and may show signs of depression such as not eating or behavioural problems. Do not argue in front of your pet this could leave them feeling frightened and insecure.
Mr Loxley concludes "If you follow these simple tips it could be that your cat or dog matures into a well-adjusted pet with a special spot in front of two fireplaces."