Break-ups can be tough on the whole family. If you have a dog that loves both of their ‘hooman parents’, deciding who will look after them can be stressful.
Whilst your dog’s emotional wellbeing will be your priority, you might not have thought about who has legal ownership. Moreover, you may not have considered how sharing care can affect this. Unfortunately, sharing a pet with an ex can go wrong, so it’s worth considering your options.
The main factor determining ownership of a dog is who bought them. However, by sharing the costs and responsibility of having a pet, you may inadvertently give your partner joint ownership.
If you believe the dog is solely yours but still want your ex to visit or help with care, it’s crucial to clarify that this does not grant them ownership rights. The best solution is to draw up a shared custody agreement. We could advise you on this, as it can protect you in the heartbreaking situation of your ex refusing to return the dog.
Whilst you may be on good terms now, relationships change. While dogs hold a special place in our hearts and homes, the law treats them as property. This means courts are unlikely to enforce shared care. If one of you eventually takes sole ownership, a shared care agreement can outline a fair resolution.
If you and your ex struggle to agree, mediation may help. Whilst you will need to pay for the mediator’s time, the adage ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ comes to mind. Additionally, we can provide you with legal advice. This can clarify ownership, protect your rights, and help determine if shared care is right for you.
If you would like to speak to Frances further on this matter, call us on 0333 344 6302 to arrange a free 10-minute call.
Can we help you? Please call us on 0333 344 6302 or contact us through our enquiry form. All initial enquiries are free and without obligation.
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