• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Call For A Free Consultation651-686-8800
  • Firm Overview
    • Articles
    • Settlements & Verdicts
    • Video Center
  • Attorneys
    • Jeffrey S. Sheridan
    • DeAnne L. Dulas
    • Andrew T. Hunstad
    • Randall A. Kins
  • Practice Areas
    • Criminal Defense
    • Aggressive DWI Defense
    • Aviation Lawyers
    • Family Law
    • Estate Planning & Litigation
    • LGBT Rights and Family Issues
    • Business Law And Litigation
      • Real Estate Law
      • Small Business Law
    • Federal Workers’ Compensation
    • Other Areas Of Law
  • Blog
  • Contact

Hard to Apply Equitable Division to the Family Pet

May 2, 2014 by Sheridan & Dulas, P.A.

Most Minnesotans who decide to go through with a divorce have some idea of what the divorce process entails. Most people understand that at some point there will be asset or property division. Initially, property is separated into marital and separate property. The separate party remains the property of each individual spouse owner, while the marital property may be subject to an equitable division.

In Minnesota, equitable division up on divorce does not necessarily mean equal, but the property and assets will be divided in a way that seems fair or “equitable” between the divorcing parties. This can be decided via mediation, settlement negotiation or a judge may simply order the settlement arrangement.

When couples prepare for property division, house, cars and money may come to mind. However, many spouses probably do not think that of the family pet as property. Upon divorce, couples may be able to agree who gets custody of any pets or animals, but disputes may often arise over this issue. Pets for many individuals hold extreme sentimental value and are a big part of the family.

If there is a dispute over a pet, a judge can look at a number of factors to determine how to handle the situation. Much like with children, a shared custody arrangement or visitation is not always feasible. A judge may consider the welfare of the pet or animal, which party has a stronger emotional connection and which party is the primary caregiver of the pet. A judge may also look at the pet’s daily routine and see which spouse can best accommodate that routine.

Divorce can be emotional to begin with but losing ownership of a family pet can make the process even more difficult. Spouses going through a divorce may want to speak with a family law attorney to learn how they can protect their interests during property division, especially when it comes to sentimental and meaningful possessions.

Source: Burlington Free Press, “After divorce, court won’t allow joint dog custody,” Lisa Rathke, April 25, 2014

Categories: Property Division Tags: assets, equitable division, Marital Property, Property Division, sentimental value

Primary Sidebar

Practice Areas

  • Criminal Defense
  • Aggressive DWI Defense
  • Family Law
  • Estate Planning & Litigation
  • LGBT Rights and Family Issues
  • Aviation Law
  • Federal Workers’ Compensation
  • Business Law And Litigation
    • Small Business Law
    • Real Estate Law
  • Other Areas Of Law

Contact the Firm

    Footer

    Schedule a Consultation

    Sheridan & Dulas, P.A. logo Sheridan & Dulas, P.A.

    1380 Corporate Center Curve #320
    Eagan, MN 55121

    Tel: 651-686-8800
    Driving Directions

    Hours

    Mon-Fri: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

    Schedule a Consultation

    Practice Areas

    • Criminal Defense
    • Aggressive DWI Defense
    • Family Law
    • Estate Planning & Litigation
    • LGBT Rights and Family Issues
    • Aviation Law
    • Federal Workers’ Compensation
    • Business Law And Litigation
      • Small Business Law
      • Real Estate Law
    • Other Areas Of Law
    The information contained in this website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any matter. The transmission and receipt of information contained on this website, in whole or in part, or communication with the Sheridan & Dulas, P.A. via the Internet or e-mail through this website does not constitute or create a lawyer-client relationship between this firm and any recipient. You should not send any confidential information in response to this webpage. Such responses will not create a lawyer-client relationship, and whatever you disclose will not be privileged or confidential unless this firm has agreed to act as your legal counsel and you have executed a written engagement agreement with Sheridan & Dulas, P.A.. | Copyright © 2021 | All rights reserved | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Sitemap