Many people aspire to file amicable divorces. People only need to look at how celebrities announce the end of their marriages to see what people view as the ideal situation. Most people prefer to settle things privately if possible and move on from their marriages as quickly as they can.
However, if they cannot reach agreements on key terms, spouses may need to litigate their divorces despite their wishes to the contrary. Child custody issues and property division disputes can complicate an otherwise amicable divorce. Those who identify specific potential points of contention can address those issues before they generate significant conflict. For many people, their pets can be a difficult issue to address.
Both spouses may love their shared pets
People often find themselves disagreeing about custody matters because of their bond with their children. They may also disagree about how to address their pets because they love them. The affection that people have for their companion animals can make it hard for them to approach this issue rationally during divorce.
Some people may hope to avoid conflict by proposing a shared pet custody arrangement. However, sharing pet custody isn’t necessarily a realistic goal. Many types of animals do not adjust well to such arrangements. Additionally, the state courts do not establish shared pet custody for spouses. Instead, they include pets in the inventory of marital assets and treat them like property.
Spouses often feel grief and guilt at the prospect of terminating a relationship with a beloved pet. They may end up fighting with one another because they both want to keep the pet.
How can people overcome companion animal conflicts?
Disputes about pets are usually quite emotional. People have to consider the issue from a practical standpoint if they want to achieve the best possible outcome and limit unnecessary conflict.
Factors including personal finances, health and job responsibilities, as well as custody arrangements, can influence the best outcome for a pet. Companion animals typically require plenty of time with their humans and also a significant commitment of resources.
While it can be difficult, some people may have to accept that their demanding careers or challenging personal circumstances make solitary pet ownership an unsustainable arrangement. In some cases, spouses may be able to negotiate scenarios in which one can occasionally visit the pet or might provide pet-sitting services when the other has to travel.
Understanding how the state handles pet-related divorce disputes can help people temper their expectations. Pets can frequently become a major source of conflict during divorce negotiations unless people are realistic about the terms they request.
