Pets Are a Factor in Divorce
It is always difficult to part with pets when you have had them for a while, and many lawyers manage pets as if they are commodities, without realizing how the pets have become a part of the family, like another child. If the divorce is a nasty one, your ex may use pets as tools to hurt you, and decide to claim custody, not because the pets are loved, but only to hit back.
Using Pets and Children as Commodities
When it comes to children, the court decides on whatever is in the children’s interest, their comfort level and security. It is similar with pets.
If the home goes to the spouse, then it is more than likely that they will get the pet too. Emotional issues will surface, the pet being used to the home and surroundings will be considered, and many judges will decide in favor of the person who had the pet first. Pets are regarded as property, and they cannot be shared. Animals are likely to get confused and disoriented if moved from familiar surroundings. They may become more aggressive consequently.
Very often the wife gets the house, the pets, and the children. This is because both children and pets need to go together, as they will feel secure in their familiar surroundings, the idea being not to dislodge them as far as possible. But over the years, this issue has been the focus of attention, and the father ends up with all three.
A Judge can only decide what he thinks is best for the pets. It is up to the couple to behave in a mature manner and not fight for a pet in which they are not really interested. Magnanimity is the key word, and whether it is a dog or a cat, if you concede what is best for the pet, you can save yourselves from hurting each other.
Rebuild Your Life with A New Pet
You will need to face up to the fact that you have lost your pet. This is when you will need to consider moving on by getting a new one. You may still have feelings for your former pet, and feel that your pet is impossible to replace, but moving on with a new one will help you to deal with your loss.
Dealing with the loss of your old pet is extremely difficult, but maturity is the key to replacing your pet with any type of pet that can be a source of joy to you and take your mind off the divorce.
There are shelters where animals have been abandoned, and they need homes desperately – they also need love and care. This could solve your problem and both of you could give each other the comfort that you need.
Best Wishes, Coyalita
Behavioral Health Rehab Specialist
See Tomorrow: “How to Protect Your Finances for Divorce”
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