We are often asked about property settlements and pets. Our pets are treated very differently to our children when a relationship breaks down, and the Court will not make orders stating that you and your ex-partner must share the care of your pets.
Although they mean much more to us in reality, in the eyes of the court pets are treated in the same way as all other ‘property’ of a relationship. This means that only one of you can have legal ownership of your pets following separation.
Of course if you are able to, you can come to an informal arrangement to share the care of your pet with your ex-partner. However should this result in a dispute, the Court will award sole care to one of you only, as part of the division of your property.