Divorcing couple struggles with pet custody - chicagotribune.com

Are couples using their pets as pawns in order to prolong the pain of divorce?  Most courts will not hear disputes related to the custody of pets - this is because pets still are viewed as property - not a living, breathing being whose needs and emotions also need to be taken into consideration.



Divorce is difficult enough.  The pets suffer from the loss of daily contact with the people they love.  They have not changed their loyalties just because one spouse has decided they can't/don't want to live with another.  Our pets love us unconditionally - they don't want a divorce.



Protect your pets when your relationship sours - ask a pet mediator to help you resolve your dispute.  



Divorcing couple struggles with pet custody - chicagotribune.com

Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith divorce goes to the dogs; pet custody issue - National Celebrity Headlines | Examiner.com

Here's another celebrity couple in the news where the divorce has sparked a debate over who will get the dogs.  Pet custody can be a big issue in a divorce - especially true because most courts are equipped to handle pet custody issues in the same way they handle "time sharing" for the kids.



Pet custody disputes are best settled in mediation where the couple can craft their own solution and not end up with one imposed arbitrarily by the court.  Don't let a non-family member decide the fate for your pets.  Take pet custody issues into your own hands and get an experienced mediator, preferably a pet .lover who can help work through these sensitive issues.  



Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith divorce goes to the dogs; pet custody issue - National Celebrity Headlines | Examiner.com

Fighting Over Cats and Dogs During a Divorce | Maria Cognetti

As the incidence of pet disputes rise, more couples and more pets will be affected.  The best way to solve a pet related dispute is mediation, not litigation.  



Fighting Over Cats and Dogs During a Divorce | Maria Cognetti

Peggy Hoyt featured on Arbitration.com

See the feature blog on Pet Dispute Resolution on Arbitration.com. 

Landmark custody battle over dog in divorce | New York Post

"Instead of regarding Joey like a piece of property, the judge — who gives the full disclosure that he owns a 12-year-old rescued pit bull mix named Peaches — will schedule a hearing to determine his fate."

Historically, pets have been treated as property.  In this landmark case, the judge is actually going to investigate "the best interests" of the dog - a standard generally reserved for children.  Times, they are a changing. 

Landmark custody battle over dog in divorce | New York Post

Divorce, Doggy Style

Our pets are our children - it shouldn't be surprising that when the relationship ends there needs to be a resolution regarding the custody of the pets.  Mediation to resolve pet related disputes is a good choice - you get to choose your own solution - not one imposed by the judge.  

Divorce, Doggy Style

Pet custody a big issue for many in break-ups - survey - Research - Horsetalk.co.nz

Even horses can be a source of disagreement if a relationship breaks up.  If you have a disagreement with a family member over the custody of a pet, get help, use mediation to resolve the dispute.  

Pet custody a big issue for many in break-ups - survey - Research - Horsetalk.co.nz