 Pets Remain a Bone of Contention for Divorcing Couples
 Lyn Ellins Custody of family pets has long been a bone of contention for divorcing couples – and with the recession making divorce even more problematic, legal battles over pets are becoming more acrimonious.
Divorce lawyer, Lyn Ellins, says courts are increasingly recognising the importance of pets in family break-ups.
She also says that despite her many years of advising divorcing couples, she still never ceases to be amazed as to the extent couples will go to in their disputes over pets.
"These disputes can incur huge legal bills," she says. "We had one case recently when, as part of the divorce settlement, the judge eventually agreed that the only solution was for the couple to take it in turns to feed the family rabbit."
"Another more bizarre case was a dispute over a family parrot. The husband was ordered to return the parrot to our client, his ex-wife – only for her to find he had taught it a string of obscenities so as to embarrass her in front of friends."
More time can be spent fighting over dogs and cats than over pensions, furniture and the family home. As with children, the courts are now more willing to consider joint custody settlements rather than giving one partner exclusive access.
"For some people, pets are important members of the family and separation from them can be as traumatic as separation from children," says Lyn Ellins. "While devotion to a pet can seem disproportionate to outsiders, we have to remember that pets can be a valuable source of emotional support for people in difficult situations – which many divorcing couples are in now."
For divorcing couples who have no children, custody of the pet can become a major sticking point.
"Often the party who has left the home will suspect that the one remaining is neglecting or even spoiling the pet," says Lyn Ellins. "This can be a source of increased tension."
For more information contact Lyn Ellins on 01793 511055 or lyn.ellins@clmlaw.co.uk
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