Laurie Schmitt Family Law

W. Michigan family law specializing in Collaborative Divorce

616.608.4634

Pet

Pet Visitation Post Divorce

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There are many cases in which parties must address the division of their pets.  Often times, the parties have agreed as to which party will retain the family pets. And, with the agreement of who will retain the family pets the parties want to enter into a visitation agreement allowing the other party to have visitation rights with the family pets. The parties look to their attorneys to craft a pet visitation agreement, with the terms being defined in the Judgement of Divorce.

IN MICHIGAN, PETS ARE PERSONAL PROPERTY

Pet visitation

The reality is that in the State of Michigan, pets are considered personal property. As such, the court wants a complete division of all personal property at the time the Judgment of Divorce is entered by the Court.

As two people cannot be awarded the same personal property, the Judgment of Divorce would state that one party is hereby awarded the parties’ pet as their sole and separate property free and clear of any claims by the other party.

What this means to parties entering into a pet visitation agreement is that the Court would not uphold language associated with a pet visitation agreement. Therefore, if parties wish to enter into pet visitation agreements, they should do so with the understanding that the terms would not be enforced by the Court.

DRAFTING A FAIR AGREEMENT

At Schmitt Law, PLLC, we understand how difficult it is for divorcing couples to divide pets. With that said, we try to craft an agreement that is fair and equitable for each party. However, we are careful to clearly advise clients that any pet visitation agreement is not binding and enforceable through the court.

We will place language in the Judgment of Divorce that it is the parties’ intent to follow the spirit of their agreement. It is the hope that with these statements in the Judgment of Divorce the parties will voluntarily uphold the terms of their agreement.

In summary, until such time as our laws recognize pets as more than personal property, pets remain divisible by the courts as personal property. And no matter how creative the parties and their attorneys could be in drafting a pet visitation agreement, they will likely not be enforced by any court in the State of Michigan.

IF YOU ARE READY TO MOVE FORWARD, CALL SCHMITT LAW, PLLC FOR ASSISTANCE.  GRAND RAPIDS COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.

Divorce “The New” Custody Case – Pets!

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Becoming ever commonplace are cases wherein parties fail to agree on who the beloved family pet should live with after the divorce. Enter the “pet custody” case.

In the State of Michigan, pets are considered mere property, and divided by the court as such. Needless to say, judges really despise making decisions regarding the split of pets.

As someone with a great love for animals, I understand how animals become a significant part of the family, and are certainly much more than just property. And I also understand the emotions that drive divorce clients to engage in a “custody” battle over the family pet.

So, how can a pet custody case be resolved? I have settled cases where parties agreed that the pet moves back and forth with the children. So, when the children spend time with one parent, the pet goes with them.

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However, how can we best settle this dispute when there are no children, and the only “child” is the pet. Courts will look at the bond of the parties and the pet, and who is the primary caretaker of the pet when deciding “custody”. In these divorce cases, judgments have been drafted to include a schedule similar to those for children, wherein custody is shared by the parties. The downfall of this arrangement is that it requires a high degree of cooperation between the parties.

After determining “custody”, it must be decided how the “non-custodial” party will be compensated for the value of the pet. Courts value pets based on the purchase price, and do not compensate for the emotional value parties place on the pet.

As with any decision in a divorce case, don’t allow a judge to control the outcome. If you and your spouse are unable to reach an agreement regarding custody of your pet, consider an alternate dispute resolution such as mediation.

Again, this is a decision that is close to your heart. Do not risk handing over control to a judge.