A recent survey found that 20% of divorced or separated pet owners are drafting written agreements to formalize custody arrangements. Other per owners are drafting agreements before a breakup, a “prepup”, which details custody and other decisions for the pet in the event of a breakup.
Remember, pets are considered property in Connecticut. Therefore, in the event of divorce, a judge is likely to determine “custody” by considering factors such as which partner purchased the pet or adopted the pet, which partner took the pet to the vet or made purchases for the pet. The decision for custody is not based on the “best interest” of the pet or which owner is more “fit” to have custody.
Drafting the appropriate legal documents can avoid litigation and award ownership or “custody” of the pet to the owner based what is best for the pet.
Read an article on this topic below.